by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Abdullahi Yahaya and Ibrahim Haruna in Kaduna metropolis for an allegation of currency counterfeiting.
The Commission disclosed that, upon their arrest, a total sum of $81,700 (Eighty-one Thousand, Seven Hundred Dollars), all in fake $100 denomination, was found in their possession.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna at the weekend by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, it averred that Haruna, upon interrogation, claimed that the counterfeit dollars were delivered to him some months back for ‘safe-keeping’ by one Babangida, said to be at large.
The statement further explained that, Yahaya on his part claimed that he got to know that Haruna possessed fake dollars when one Kabiru, also said to be at large, connected him to Haruna for the purpose of collecting the fake dollars for delivery to a buyer, who was waiting at an agreed location.
The Commission also disclosed other items found in their possession as at the time of the arrest to include a small quantity of colourless substance, suspected to be mercury – a chemical allegedly being used to aid the production of fake dollars.
According to the statement, suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has been commended for the professionalism and dedication it brings to the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes. It received the commendation when the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Kaduna State Branch paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Commission.