The suspect attempted to defraud unsuspecting members of the public using fake dollar bills
The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for possession of counterfeit United States currency. The arrest was made by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division during a routine surveillance operation.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, June 2, 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspect, who hails from Kuji Kwadon Village in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, was intercepted at about 2:04 PM on June 28, 2025.
Upon arrest, Kawu was found in possession of ten (10) pieces of suspected counterfeit $100 notes, which, when converted to local currency, amount to approximately ₦1.5 million (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira).
Additionally, he was found with ₦10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) in Nigerian currency. All the money was concealed inside his inner shorts and has been recovered as evidence.
During a preliminary interview, the suspect confessed to the crime. However, he claimed that the counterfeit notes were given to him by an unnamed accomplice with instructions to use them in trade. The Police have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the said accomplice and are working to recover further evidence.
In a statement on the incident, the Command emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the economic well-being and financial security of the public.
“The Gombe State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Bello Yahaya, psc(+), wishes to inform the general public of a case involving criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit currency,” the statement read.
“The suspect attempted to defraud unsuspecting members of the public using fake dollar bills. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of the operation and bring all involved to justice,” it added.
The police have assured that further updates on the investigation will be provided in due course.