The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a commercial driver found in possession of bundles of counterfeit ₦1,000 notes during a stop-and-search operation in Ibadan.
The suspect, identified as Akande, was apprehended on Friday night at the Guru Maharajji area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol team.
Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, CSP Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statement made available to Naija Metro News and other newsmen on Saturday.
Osifeso disclosed that Akande was driving a green Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number Lagos FKJ 443 YG when he was flagged down for a random check.
He added that the driver’s uneasy behavior prompted officers to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle, which was en route to Osogbo.
The search led to the discovery of bundles of fake ₦1,000 notes concealed in a transparent plastic parcel tightly wrapped with tape.
The Police PRO explained that the fake currency amounted to about ₦1 million naira, all bearing only three serial numbers.
He quoted the Serial numbers a: 235923 – ₦500,000 (500 notes), 235922 – ₦300,000 (300 notes), and 235921 – ₦200,000 (200 notes).
During interrogation, Akande admitted to the police that he was acting as a courier.
“He claimed the package was handed over to him by an unidentified man at Ojota, Lagos, with instructions to deliver it to Osogbo.
According to the police statement, the driver further revealed that he was told the parcel contained body cream and was not provided with the name or contact details of the recipient.
Reassuring the public, the Oyo State Police Command vowed to intensify efforts against financial crimes.
“The Command remains committed to combating currency counterfeiting and other financial crimes that jeopardize our economy and community safety.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” Osifeso stated.
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