By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

The Kaduna International Airport, which, just last week, became the alternative airport for flights billed for Abuja due to ongoing repair works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, has come into the news for another reason.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, intercepted bags containing N49 million being ferried out through the airport.

The bags, containing crisp Naira notes of N200 denomination in 20 bundles, totalling N40 million and N50 denomination in 180 bundles, totalling N9 million, were found at the baggage check-in section of the airport.

It was gathered that the owner initially identified himself, but fled before the arrival of EFCC operatives.

Confirming the discovery, spokesman for EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the cash was found during routine baggage screening.

According to him, “the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal office on March 13, intercepted an undeclared sum of N49 million in five large 150-kilogramme black-coloured sacks, following an intelligence report received by the zone.

“The report, which was made at about 8p.m., stated that during the routine baggage screening of supposed checked in baggage, five sacks were sighted unattended to and without tags containing fresh bulk items suspected to be money, from the aroma perceived.

EFCC operatives

“The owner of the money later showed up but could not state the exact money in the sack or present any document authenticating the genesis of the monies.

“However, his inability to give any concrete explanation made him become uncomfortable and he disappeared into thin air before the arrival of EFCC operatives.

“They found out that the suspect had fled the airport vicinity, leaving the sack behind and upon careful scrutiny of the contents of the sacks, it was discovered that the sacks contained crisp naira notes of N200 denomination in 200 bundles totalling N40 million and N50 denomination in 180 bundles totalling N9 million all sealed and purportedly emanating from the Nigerian Security and Minting Plc, NSPM, as seen in the labels.

“There is no arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing with a view to identify the owner and apprehend all those behind the crime.”