Delta: Police bust fraud syndicate, recover fake dollar bills

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Delta State Police has listed arrest of a syndicate allegedly involved in defrauding members of the public using counterfeit United States dollar bills as part of the recent achievements of its operatives in separate intelligence-led operations that also led to apprehension of suspected drug dealers.

Bright Edafe, Delta Police spokesperson in a statement on Thursday said members of the fake currency syndicate who were operating with an unregistered vehicle were arrested on 9 June 2026 by operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit in an intelligence-driven operation in Asaba, the state capital.

According to the statement, the operatives arrested four members of the syndicate identified as Joshua Nwaosa, Daniel Arhewe, Prince Chukwuma, and John Egwuba along Nnebisi Road, Asaba who confessed that they are operating from a hideout in Asaba. A follow-up operation at the location led to the recovery 1,600 counterfeit United States dollar notes and military camouflage concealed within the premises.

Edafe said investigation is ongoing to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s activities.

The spokesperson also revealed that in another operation 9th of June operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on actionable intelligence, stormed Owaliru and Alihame communities in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where two female suspects were apprehended.

He said the two suspects, identified as Ifeoma Egbule (36 years) and Anayeokwu Florence (51 years), were caught with substantial quantities of suspected illicit substances, including GH Gold, Colorado, Cannabis, and Canadian Loud.

“The exhibits were recovered and taken into custody alongside the suspects,” said the spokesperson.

According to him, preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were actively involved in the distribution of the prohibited substances within the area.

He added that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug distribution network.

“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to duty. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Delta State,” Edafe said in the statement.