In a swift operation aimed at curbing financial crimes, the Gombe state Police command has apprehended a 35-year-old suspect in connection with a criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit currency totaling over ₦1.5 million.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the arrest was made Saturday by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division.
The suspect, identified as Usman Kawu from Kuji Kwadon village in Yamaltu-Deba local government area, was taken into custody at about 2:04pm and transferred to Amada Police Station for further investigation.
Upon his arrest, Kawu was found in possession of ten $100 notes suspected to be fake, an equivalent of ₦1.5 million alongside ₦10,000 in Nigerian currency. The counterfeit cash was cleverly concealed inside his inner short trousers but was recovered by the police.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and claimed that the fake currency was handed to him by an accomplice, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation.
Efforts are currently underway to track down the said accomplice and recover more illicit materials linked to the case.