By Victoria Yakubu
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected counterfeit United States of America Dollar (US$) production facility in Kiniso Village, Ajue, Odigbo Local Government Area of the State, following an alleged fraud involving $6,000.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abayomi Jimoh, the investigation began after Yusuf Nasiru, a resident of Sabo, Okitipupa, lodged a complaint on October 28 against two men identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro.
Nasiru told the police that the duo, both residents of Ode-Irele, approached him at his shop on October 25, requesting to exchange United States dollars for their naira equivalent.
He reportedly handed over $6,000, valued at approximately N8.6 million, to the men.
However, while awaiting payment in naira, the suspects allegedly returned the dollar notes, claiming they lacked sufficient funds to complete the transaction, before leaving the shop.
Nasiru subsequently discovered that the notes were counterfeit after examining them closely and reported the incident to the police.
Following the complaint, operatives of the Okitipupa Divisional Police Headquarters commenced investigations and, through intelligence gathering and technical tracking, traced Desmond to Kiniso Village in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Acting on information from community members, the operatives raided the suspected hideout on October 29. The premises were believed to have been used for producing counterfeit dollar notes intended to defraud members of the public.
One suspect was arrested during the operation, while other occupants reportedly fled through a perimeter fence. A search of the premises led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes and a small wooden box. The items were subsequently taken into police custody as exhibits.
The police said the arrested suspect had provided useful information to aid the ongoing investigation. The Ondo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Felix Ohagwu, directed operatives to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend other persons linked to the suspected operation.
The Command said investigations would establish the extent of the alleged counterfeit currency network and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
It also advised residents to authenticate foreign currencies before accepting them in financial transactions and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The Command added that investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided as the case progressed.
