Get Guardian on Google… Recover bags of counterfeit notes
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have busted a suspected counterfeit currency printing operation in Kiniso Village, Ajue, in the Odigbo Local Government Area of the State.
The operation led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of three bags of suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes and other materials believed to be connected to the illicit activity.
While disclosing the operation, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, stressed that the operation was carried out following a complaint lodged by one Yusuf Nasiru of Sabo, Okitipupa.
According to the police spokesperson, the complainant reported that two men, identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele, had approached him at his shop inquiring about exchanging United States dollars for their naira equivalent.
He said, “The complainant stated that he handed over the sum of $6,000, valued at approximately ₦8,600,000, to the men.
“However, while waiting to receive the naira equivalent, the suspects allegedly returned the dollars to him, claiming they did not have sufficient funds to complete the transaction, and subsequently left.
“The complainant later discovered, upon closer examination, that the dollar notes returned to him were counterfeit, prompting him to report the incident to the police.”
Jimoh said upon receipt of the complaint, operatives from the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters swiftly commenced discreet investigation, adding that through intelligence gathering and tracking, the team traced one of the suspects, Peter Desmond, to Kiniso Village.
“Acting on credible intelligence received from members of the community, the operatives proceeded to the identified location on 29th October 2026 and raided the suspected hideout believed to be used for the production and printing of counterfeit dollar notes intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
“During the operation, one suspect was arrested, while other occupants of the premises escaped through the 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, all of which were taken into police custody as exhibits. The arrested suspect has given useful information that is assisting the investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and apprehend all other persons connected to the criminal operation, unravel the full extent of the suspected counterfeit currency network, and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice,” the PPRO stated.
