EFCC Secures Forfeiture of $1.1 Million Seized from Woman at Kano Airport

The Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the forfeiture of $1.1 million (over N1.7 billion) and 135,900 Saudi Arabian Riyals seized from Hauwa Abdullahi Ibrahim by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruling came after Ibrahim pleaded guilty to money laundering charges.

She was apprehended by EFCC operatives at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while attempting to transport the cash. Following her arrest, a two-count charge, numbered FHC/KN/CR/46/2025, was filed against her, accusing her of laundering $1,154,900 and 135,900 Saudi Riyals. The charges were brought under Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which carries penalties under Section 3(5) of the same law.

During court proceedings, Ibrahim pleaded guilty and requested leniency. However, Justice S.M. Shuaibu ruled that the entire sum found in her possession be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as punishment.

In her defense, Ibrahim claimed that a man named Nafiu in Saudi Arabia had asked her to transport a box to Nigeria. She stated that she was told the box contained dates and a small amount of cash. According to her, Nafiu provided her with the contact details of a woman in Kano who was supposed to receive the box.

After initially clearing airport security, Ibrahim was recalled for further inspection, leading to the discovery of the money. She insisted she was unaware of the large sum in the box and pleaded for mercy. Despite her claims, the court upheld the charges, leading to the forfeiture of the funds.