metro
Customs Intercepts Over $73,000, £15,957, 827,800 Saudi Riyals Hidden in Shoes at Kano Airport
Customs Intercepts Over $73,000, £15,957, 827,800 Saudi Riyals Hidden in Shoes at Kano Airport
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a full-scale investigation into a passenger, Haruna Yusuf, after the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted a massive haul of undeclared foreign currencies concealed inside footwear and sportswear shoes at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The interception, which occurred between August 8 and 12, 2026, involved a total of $73,300, £15,957, and 827,800 Saudi Riyals—amounts that, when converted, run into hundreds of millions of naira. The suspect and the recovered cash were formally handed over to the EFCC by customs officials at the Kano/Jigawa Command, marking the beginning of what investigators describe as a thorough probe into possible violations of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.
Customs officers made the discovery in two separate operations, both involving cleverly concealed cash meant to evade routine screening. On August 8, 2026, at approximately 2:20 PM, officers screening an unaccompanied Saudi Airline luggage found 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300** cleverly tucked inside a piece of footwear. Then, on August 12, 2026, at about 1:50 PM, the luggage of **Haruna Yusuf**, who had just arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight **ET941**, raised red flags during initial checks. A secondary search, aided by **Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology**, revealed an additional **$20,000 and £15,957 hidden inside sportswear shoes. The two seizures, occurring within days of each other, underscored the growing sophistication of currency smuggling tactics and the proactive role of technology in detecting them.
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The Nigeria Customs Service officially handed over the suspect and the seized currencies to the EFCC under the authority of Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which allows the service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies in enforcing financial laws. The transfer ceremony was presided over by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller for the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, who emphasized that the interceptions highlight the need for heightened vigilance at all entry points. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to continue deploying intelligence-driven measures, advanced scanning equipment, and inter-agency cooperation to curb the illegal movement of cash across Nigeria’s borders.
Upon receiving the suspect and the exhibits, the EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Kano, Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, confirmed that the failure to declare such large sums of foreign currency constitutes a direct violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He noted that under Nigerian law, travellers carrying amounts above the statutory threshold are required to make a full declaration at the point of entry or exit, and that non-compliance attracts serious legal consequences. However, Ebelo was careful to clarify that declaring money does not automatically lead to seizure—rather, the offence lies in the concealment and the failure to declare, or in cases where the source of the funds is questionable.
Addressing the broader public, Ebelo urged all travellers to comply with currency declaration requirements, stressing that the law is not designed to punish honest declarations. He stated emphatically that no one would have their funds confiscated simply for declaring them, and that the legal issues arise only when individuals attempt to move large sums secretly, often to evade scrutiny over the origin or purpose of the money. His remarks serve as both a warning and a clarification, aimed at dispelling common misconceptions that discourage travellers from making lawful declarations.
The EFCC has now commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the movement of the funds, including the source of the cash, the intended destination, and whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger network. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of money laundering, terrorism financing, or other financial crimes linked to the undeclared currencies. While no formal charges have been filed yet, the commission has assured the public that the case will be pursued diligently, and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has hailed the interceptions as a major success in the fight against illicit financial flows, and reiterated its resolve to work closely with the EFCC, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and other border agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system. The service also reminded the public that its officers are equipped with both the legal authority and the technological tools to detect hidden currencies, and that attempts to circumvent the law will continue to be met with decisive action.
Customs Intercepts Over $73,000, £15,957, 827,800 Saudi Riyals Hidden in Shoes at Kano Airport
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metro
Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend
Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend
The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.
Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.
The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.
According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.
The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.
The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.
However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.
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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.
In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.
The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.
The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.
The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.
The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend
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metro
Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured
Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured
One person has been killed and three others seriously injured in a road accident on the Lagos Coastal Road inward Eko Hotel in Lagos.
The crash, which occurred on Friday, involved a grey Lexus Jeep 350 with registration number LSD 554 KV.
Preliminary information from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) indicated that the vehicle lost control, crashed into a roadside pole and overturned.
The impact left one person dead, while three others sustained serious injuries. The injured victims were reportedly trapped in the wreckage before passersby assisted in bringing them out.
They were subsequently taken to Duck-Yard Hospital within the Military Zone for medical treatment.
LASTMA officials who responded to the scene secured the area and coordinated the emergency operation. Security personnel from the Victoria Island area also assisted in managing the situation.
The damaged Lexus was later removed from the road to prevent further danger to motorists and help restore normal traffic movement along the affected section.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged motorists to exercise greater caution while using the road.
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He advised motorists to avoid excessive speed, reckless driving and other dangerous practices that could result in loss of vehicle control.
The latest Lagos Coastal Road accident has also renewed attention on road safety along the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, particularly as construction and traffic movement continue on parts of the route.
Federal officials have previously raised concerns about motorists exceeding the recommended speed on the highway. However, authorities have not established that speeding was the direct cause of Friday’s Lexus crash.
The incident follows another fatal crash reported on the Coastal Road in August, when a trailer reportedly lost control and collided with a Toyota mini truck, leaving one person dead and two others injured.
LASTMA urged motorists to remain vigilant and comply with traffic regulations while using the Lagos Coastal Highway. Members of the public were also advised to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and obstructions through the agency’s toll-free emergency line, 3367.
Lagos Coastal Road Crash: One Killed, Three Seriously Injured
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metro
Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building
Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building
The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, giving addressable buildings across the country unique 11-character digital postcodes linked to their precise geographical locations.
The system was officially launched on October 1, 2026, through the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s addressing infrastructure and make it easier to identify homes, businesses, schools, farms, offices and other locations.
The new digital postcode system uses Geographic Information System technology to provide a precise and verifiable digital reference for buildings. Unlike the traditional postcode system, which generally identifies broader geographical areas, the new system is designed to pinpoint individual addressable buildings.
The 11-character code is organised across five geographical levels: state, local government area, district, area and building. The characters progressively narrow the location down to a specific building.
The Federal Government said the system is designed to address longstanding problems associated with inaccurate or incomplete addresses, including missed deliveries and difficulties faced by emergency responders, businesses and government agencies.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said accurate location information was essential to improving commerce, public services and economic participation.
Tijani urged Nigerians to find, save and use their digital postcodes, saying the system could help businesses reach customers, enable families to provide precise locations during emergencies and support government agencies in delivering services.
The government estimates that Nigeria loses between ₦50 billion and ₦80 billion annually through missed and failed deliveries associated with poor addressing. Officials said the impact extends beyond logistics to emergency response, security operations, financial services, business activities and government planning.
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The NIPOST digital postcode belongs to a building rather than an individual. This means the code remains associated with the property even when residents or businesses occupying it change.
The new system is also designed to complement existing street addresses and mapping services rather than replace them. Users can provide their digital postcode alongside their conventional address when receiving deliveries or accessing services.
Nigerians can search for their postcode through the official Digital Postcode platform or mobile application. Users can search for their building or use location services to identify the building where they are.
Where a building cannot be found, users can submit its location and address details for verification and assignment of a postcode.
The service allows individuals to find, save and share their postcodes with family members, businesses, delivery companies and other service providers that require accurate location information.
Organisations can also integrate the digital postcode into their platforms for functions including address verification, customer and merchant onboarding, logistics, deliveries and location-based services.
The system is expected to have significant applications in e-commerce and last-mile delivery, where inaccurate addresses and dependence on informal landmarks can cause delays and additional costs.
Emergency response agencies are also expected to benefit from the system because responders can use a standard location reference to identify specific buildings during emergencies.
Security agencies, financial institutions, government departments and other organisations can similarly use the location data for planning, verification and service delivery.
The launch followed preparatory work by NIPOST, including a nationwide postcode validation exercise aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of location data ahead of the national rollout.
The Federal Government has described the initiative as an important part of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, with potential applications in logistics, e-commerce, emergency services, security, financial inclusion, urban planning and digital public services.
NIPOST is encouraging Nigerians to identify their 11-character digital postcode and begin using it whenever precise location information is required.
The rollout is expected to provide Nigeria with a common digital location reference and reduce some of the challenges associated with identifying and reaching specific buildings across the country.
Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building
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