Customs Intercepts $193,000 Concealed in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

Customs Intercepts $193,000 Concealed in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

Abuja, Nigeria –** The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $193,000 in undeclared foreign currency concealed inside a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.  

The interception, which took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage check on an inbound passenger.  

Addressing journalists at the airport’s international wing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, revealed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, 40, arrived in Nigeria aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  

“Early this morning, we received an intelligence report that proved very useful. Later in the day, one Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, who arrived from Jeddah, was found concealing a total sum of $193,000 inside a carton of yogurt,” Comptroller Adebisi stated.  

Violation of Anti-Money Laundering Laws 

According to Comptroller Adebisi, the undeclared funds violate the **Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022** and the **Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023**, which mandate that any traveler carrying cash exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent must declare it upon arrival or departure.  

“The law is clear—anyone in possession of funds above $10,000 must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could lead to forfeiture of the money, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both,” he explained.  

Advanced Technology Aids Detection**  

Providing details on how the hidden cash was discovered, Comptroller Adebisi credited the success to advanced scanning technology.  

“When Mr. Sarina’s luggage was scanned, an unusual density was detected. We allowed him to proceed but closely monitored his baggage. Upon further inspection, we noticed inconsistencies, prompting us to recall him. In his presence, we examined the package and discovered the undeclared cash concealed within the yogurt carton,” he explained.  

Funds Handed Over to EFCC**  

Following the interception, the seized $193,000 was formally handed over to the **Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)** for further investigation and possible prosecution.  

“As required by law, we are transferring the forfeited money to the EFCC for necessary action,” Comptroller Adebisi stated.  

### **Strict Warning to Travellers**  

Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows, Comptroller Adebisi warned that any traveler attempting to bypass financial regulations would face severe legal consequences.  

“All travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving the country,” he emphasized.  

He further highlighted that both the **Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022** and the **Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995** provide clear guidelines on currency declarations, warning that violations attract severe penalties.  

Enhanced Collaboration for Financial Crime Enforcement 

Comptroller Adebisi assured that the FCT Command would continue working closely with sister agencies, particularly the EFCC, to strengthen border security and financial crime enforcement.  

He also expressed appreciation to the **Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR**, for providing an enabling environment that has enhanced operational efficiency within the Service.  

He urged travellers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices.