Nigeria’s Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, thereby affirming his conviction for failing to declare $40,000 in cash while attempting to travel out of the country.
In a unanimous decision, the apex court upheld the judgments of the lower courts, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court held that Aminu Lamido violated Nigeria’s foreign exchange and anti-money laundering regulations by making a false declaration and failing to disclose the full amount of foreign currency in his possession, as required by law.
The case arose from an incident at a Nigerian international airport where Aminu Lamido was intercepted by authorities while departing the country. Investigations revealed that he carried $40,000 in cash without properly declaring it to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, contrary to existing financial disclosure rules for travelers.
In dismissing the appeal, the Supreme Court found no merit in the arguments presented by the appellant, describing the conviction and sentence handed down by the trial court—and later upheld by the appellate court—as lawful and justified. The court emphasized that currency declaration laws apply to all citizens equally, regardless of status or background.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing financial transparency and combating illicit financial flows, especially at points of entry and exit.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, the matter is now conclusively settled, marking the end of the legal road for Aminu Sule Lamido in the undeclared cash case.