Writing by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a 51-year-old father of ten, and two others over alleged involvement in the circulation of counterfeit foreign currencies, including United States Dollars and Pounds Sterling.
A statement by the EFCC says Akilu Salisu from Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, was taken into custody alongside a self-acclaimed cleric, Umar Mikailu Shuaibu from Kafor Wambari area of Kano State, and Salisu Nura from Garki Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
According to it, Nura and Shuaibu were initially arrested by operatives of the Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, during a stop-and-search operation on January 27, 2026, and were subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The statement says during the operation, Nura was found in possession of 435 pieces of counterfeit $100 notes and 378 pieces of counterfeit £50 notes.
It says preliminary investigations revealed that the counterfeit currencies were intended for delivery to Shuaibu, while Salisu was identified as the final recipient in the distribution chain.
It explains that further investigation into Shuaibu’s account with a digital payment platform uncovered multiple suspicious transactions amounting to over N5 million, for which he could not provide satisfactory explanations.
It says the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
