Gombe police arrest man with $1,000 fake dollars and ₦10,000 hidden in his shorts.
Suspect admits knowing currency was counterfeit, investigation ongoing to find unnamed accomplice behind operation.
The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit foreign currency.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspect was apprehended on Monday during a surveillance operation by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division. The arrest occurred around 2:04 p.m., following intelligence reports and routine monitoring in the area.
During a search conducted by the officers, Kawu was found in possession of suspected fake United States currency totaling $1,000. The amount was made up of ten $100 bills, which the police believe to be counterfeit. The forged notes, according to the command, amount to roughly ₦1.5 million in Nigerian naira.
“In addition to the counterfeit notes, the suspect also had ₦10,000 in Nigerian currency,” DSP Abdullahi said. “All the money was carefully concealed in his inner shorts. The recovered items have been taken in as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation.”
The police spokesperson explained that initial investigations confirmed the foreign currency was fake. He further revealed that the suspect admitted during questioning that he was aware the money was not genuine. Kawu reportedly told investigators that the counterfeit bills were handed over to him by an unnamed accomplice. However, for operational reasons, the police have chosen not to disclose the identity of the said accomplice at this stage.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to track down the accomplice mentioned by the suspect. We are committed to uncovering the full extent of this illegal operation,” DSP Abdullahi added.
The Gombe Police Command used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to protecting the economic security of residents and maintaining public confidence in the state’s financial system.
“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 read.
The arrest highlights the command’s renewed focus on tackling financial crimes, especially as cases involving counterfeit currency and fraud have been on the rise in some parts of the country. Police officials encouraged members of the public to report suspicious financial activities and avoid dealings involving unfamiliar currency sources.
Investigations into the incident are still ongoing as law enforcement seeks to dismantle any larger network behind the fake currency operation.
