The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for alleged criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, The Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the suspect was apprehended on Monday at about 2:04 p.m. by officers from the Lawanti Airport Division during a surveillance operation.
Kawu was reportedly found with counterfeit U.S. currency totaling $1,000, made up of ten $100 bills. The police noted that the fake notes are equivalent to approximately ₦1.5 million.
“In addition to the counterfeit dollars, the suspect was found with ₦10,000 in Nigerian currency, all concealed inside his inner shorts. The recovered money has been taken as evidence,” the statement said.
DSP Abdullahi stated that preliminary investigations confirmed the dollars were suspected to be fake. The suspect allegedly admitted he was aware of the counterfeit nature of the currency and claimed it was given to him by an accomplice, whose identity is being withheld for operational reasons.
He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accomplice and gather more evidence related to the case.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to fighting economic crimes and protecting residents from financial fraud.
“We remain committed to preserving the financial integrity of our communities and will continue to respond swiftly to all forms of economic sabotage,” the statement concluded.
