EFCC Launches Probe into Two Men Caught in Kano with Nearly $900,000 in Suspected Fake Currency

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially opened an investigation into two suspects apprehended in Kano State with counterfeit United States currency amounting to $899,800. The suspects, identified as 42-year-old Abubakar Hussaini and 53-year-old Sahabi Adamu, were intercepted during a joint operation by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before being handed over to the EFCC for further inquiry.

According to a statement released by the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate, the suspects were initially stopped by the NDLEA along Maiduguri Road in Wudil, a town in Kano State, while traveling in a commercial Volkswagen Golf 3 Station Wagon. The duo was reportedly en route to Kila Village, situated within Gwaram Local Government Area of neighboring Jigawa State, when they were intercepted.

A search of the vehicle by NDLEA officers revealed a suspicious package concealed in a carton of Maggi Star seasoning cubes. Upon closer inspection, the contents were identified as counterfeit dollar bills totaling nearly $900,000. The large stash of fake notes was immediately seized, and both suspects were taken into custody.

Following the arrest, the NDLEA transferred the case, along with the suspects and the seized currency, to the EFCC for thorough investigation. EFCC operatives have since launched a comprehensive inquiry to trace the origin of the fake currency and unravel the network behind the attempted distribution.

Preliminary findings by the anti-graft agency have shed light on a bizarre plot involving a so-called spiritualist. Investigators revealed that the suspects were on their way to meet one Muhammad Walo in Kila Village, who was expected to introduce them to an individual identified as Mallam Mashiru. Mashiru, who reportedly presents himself as a spiritual healer, allegedly promised to “convert” the counterfeit notes into genuine U.S. dollars through what he claimed were powerful ritual prayers and spiritual processes.

The EFCC has expressed concern over the growing trend of using religious or spiritual fronts to perpetrate economic crimes and fraud in Nigeria. A spokesperson for the Commission noted that this case underscores the need for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of financial schemes rooted in superstition and deceit.

“The involvement of a self-proclaimed spiritualist in this matter is both troubling and indicative of how far criminal elements are willing to go in their attempts to launder or legitimize fake currency,” the EFCC representative stated.

The suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators. The EFCC has confirmed that they will be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded and all necessary charges have been filed.

This case marks another significant step in the EFCC’s ongoing effort to clamp down on currency counterfeiting, financial fraud, and other forms of economic sabotage. The Commission has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial activities to relevant authorities.