The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for alleged criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division on Monday, at about 2:04 pm during a surveillance operation.
Kawu was reportedly found in possession of suspected fake United States currency totalling $1,000, made up of ten $100 bills.
The police said the forged currency is equivalent to ₦1.5 million in Nigerian naira.
“In addition to the counterfeit notes, the suspect also had ₦10,000 in Nigerian currency, all of which were carefully hidden inside his inner shorts. The money was recovered and taken as exhibits,” the statement read.
Abdullahi added, “Preliminary investigations confirmed that the $1,000 found on the suspect is suspected to be counterfeit. The suspect confessed to being aware of the fake currency and alleged it was handed over to him by an accomplice whose identity is being withheld for operational reasons.
“Efforts are currently underway to arrest the said accomplice and uncover more evidence linked to the operation.”
The police boss assured the public of the command’s commitment to combating economic crimes and protecting residents from financial fraud.
We remain vigilant in safeguarding the financial integrity of our communities and will continue to act swiftly against all forms of economic sabotage,” the statement added
