FAAN Investigates Staff for Alleged N4.4bn Gold Smuggling

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced an investigation into Ali Baffa, a staff member in the aviation security section, for his alleged involvement in gold smuggling. Baffa was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly attempting to smuggle 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at N4.4 billion out of Nigeria.

The arrest occurred at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. EFCC's head of media and public relations, Dele Oyewale, announced the arrest, stating that Baffa was found concealing the gold bars in his trousers to evade security checks.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two accomplices, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad, who were implicated in supplying the gold. During the investigation, various foreign currencies were also discovered in possession of Nasidi.

The EFCC is expected to provide more details following a query into the matter.