A Kano High Court has sentenced Hauwa Abdullahi Ibrahim to jail for smuggling an undeclared sum of $1,154,900 and SDR135,900 into Nigeria.

Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court delivered the verdict following Ibrahim’s guilty plea to two-count charges of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ibrahim was apprehended by Nigerian Customs Service officials at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for attempting to smuggle the undeclared funds into Nigeria from Saudi Arabia.

“She failed to declare the funds as required by law, prompting her immediate arrest,” stated an EFCC spokesperson.

The EFCC subsequently charged Ibrahim to court. During her arraignment, she pleaded guilty to both counts.

“Ibrahim pleaded guilty to both counts when they were read to her,” the spokesperson said.

Following her guilty plea, the prosecution reviewed the facts of the case and tendered exhibits, including the undeclared funds. Justice Shuaibu then convicted Ibrahim and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government.

Ibrahim, in her defense, claimed she was unaware of the contents of the box she was carrying, stating she was deceived by an individual who promised it only contained dates and a small amount of cash.

“She pleaded with the court for mercy, stating she was unaware of the contents of the box and was deceived by the sender,” the spokesperson said.

However, the court, while acknowledging her plea, found her guilty and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared funds in accordance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.