The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, over allegations of criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, revealed that the suspect was arrested around 2:04 pm on Monday by officers from the Lawanti Airport Division during a surveillance operation.
Kawu was allegedly caught with suspected counterfeit United States currency amounting to $1,000, consisting of ten $100 notes. According to the police, the fake bills are valued at approximately ₦1.5 million.
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“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 chief reaffirmed the command’s dedication to tackling economic crimes and safeguarding the public against 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
