The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for possession of counterfeit currency amounting to the equivalent of ₦1.5 million in US dollars.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspect was arrested by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division during a routine surveillance operation.
Kawu, a resident of Kuji Kwadon Village in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of the state, was found with ten pieces of $100 notes suspected to be fake. The suspect also had ₦10,000 in Nigerian currency concealed within his inner shorts. All items were recovered as exhibits.
The police spokesperson stated, “On 28 June 2025 at about 14:04hrs, officers attached to Lawanti Airport Division arrested one Usman Kawu and brought him to the Amada Police Station. He was found in possession of suspected counterfeit United States currency which he attempted to use to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.”
During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to the offence but claimed the counterfeit currency was handed to him by an accomplice, whose identity remains withheld.
“Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the said accomplice and recover additional evidence. Investigation remains active,” DSP Abdullahi added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting residents from financial crime and fraud, pledging that further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
