Man trading in fake Naira notes arrested in Nasarawa

By Sunday John

A 62-year-old man identified as Mamuda Hassan has been arrested at the Lafia cattle market in Nasarawa State while allegedly trading in fake N1,000 denomination Naira notes.

The arrest of Hassan for circulation of counterfeit currency was confirmed in a statement by Nasarawa police command’s spokesperson,
SP Rahman Nansel, on Saturday in Lafia.

Nansel stated that Hassan, a resident of Anchor Zaria in Kaduna State, was apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, based on credible intelligence.

He said that a preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was arrested at the Lafia cattle market while allegedly trading in fake N1,000 denomination notes.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the counterfeit notes were supplied to him by an accomplice residing in Mararaba Akunza, Lafia.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said accomplice, who is currently at large,” he said.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Shetima Mohammed, had called on members of the public to remain vigilant in their daily transactions.

He urged traders, small business owners, fuel station attendants, Point of Sale (POS) operators and motor park workers to be cautious and watch out for signs of counterfeit currency.

According to him, such signs include poor print quality, smaller note size, duplicated serial numbers and absence of visible security features.

Nansel also quoted the commissioner as urging residents to promptly report anyone found in possession of, or attempting to circulate, suspected fake currency to the nearest police station.

He added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. (NAN)