By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected counterfeit dollar printing operation in Kiniso Village, via Ajue, Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting one suspect and recovering three bags of suspected fake United States dollar notes.
The operation followed a complaint by Yusuf Nasiru, a resident of Sabo, Okitipupa, who alleged that two men had defrauded him in a foreign currency exchange transaction involving $6,000, valued at approximately ₦8.6 million.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the complainant reported on October 28 that the two suspects, identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele, had approached his shop on October 25 to exchange dollars for their naira equivalent.
Nasiru reportedly handed over the $6,000 to the men, who later returned the notes, claiming they lacked sufficient funds to complete the transaction. He subsequently discovered that the dollars were counterfeit and reported the incident to the police.
Following discreet investigations and intelligence gathering, operatives from Okitipupa Division traced one of the suspects, Desmond, to a location in Kiniso Village.
The police raided the suspected hideout on October 29, arresting one person while other occupants reportedly escaped through the perimeter fence. A search of the premises led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit dollar notes and a small wooden box.
The Command said the arrested suspect had provided useful information to assist the investigation, adding that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons connected to the alleged operation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, directed that the investigation be intensified to uncover the extent of the suspected counterfeit currency network and bring all those found culpable to justice.
The police cautioned residents against suspicious foreign currency transactions with unverified individuals and advised the public to authenticate foreign currencies before accepting them. Residents were also urged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
