Kano Court Sentences Duo for Hiding $86,500 in Luggage

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully obtained convictions for two individuals—Sale Bala and Abdullahi Tahir Hamisu—who tried to illegally transport an enormous amount of foreign currency through Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, hidden within their regular luggage.

The pair was convicted by Judge S.M. Shuaibu from the Federal High Court in Kano following their admission of guilt to a three-count accusation of money laundering, which involved a staggering sum of $86,500, 305,150 Saudi Riyals, 560,000 CFA, and €200—none of which were declared.

Under Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the EFCC filed charges against them for failing to report monetary tools exceeding certain limits when traveling, an offense now deemed illegal.

The accusation read as follows: “On or around April 27, 2025, at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, you, Sale Bala, Abdullahi Tahir Hamisu, and Ibrahim Abubakar Saeed (who is currently absconding), did not disclose the amount of $86,500 to the Nigerian Customs Service, which goes against Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act from 2022.”

The incident came to light when Customs officials stopped Bala during the process of declaring his items as “bed sheets.”

An extensive examination uncovered the hidden cache of cash.

In the course of questioning, Bala admitted that he had been acting under the orders of Hamisu, who was expecting to receive the shipment.

As soon as Hamisu arrived to collect the questionable luggage, he was also apprehended.

After their detention, the accused individuals were transferred to the EFCC, which took charge of prosecuting the case until it reached an incendiary conclusion.

After examining the evidence and considering their admission of guilt, Justice Shuaibu found both men guilty and ruled that all undisclosed funds be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This ruling contributes to the increasing number of financial crime crackdowns by the EFCC as Nigeria steps up its efforts to combat illegal monetary transactions and global money laundering.