The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat financial crimes with the discovery of a suspected counterfeit currency printing operation in Kiniso Village, via Ajue, Odigbo Local Government Area of the State. The operation led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of three bags of suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes and other materials believed to be connected to the illicit activity.
The breakthrough followed a complaint lodged on 28th October 2026 by one Yusuf Nasiru 'M' of Sabo, Okitipupa, who reported that two men, identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele, had approached him at his shop on 25th October 2026, requesting to exchange United States dollars for their naira equivalent.
According to the complainant, he handed over $6,000 (Six Thousand United States Dollars), valued at approximately ₦8,600,000 (Eight Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira), to the men. However, while waiting to receive the naira equivalent, the suspects allegedly returned the dollars to him, claiming that they did not have sufficient funds to complete the transaction, and subsequently left.
The complainant later discovered, upon closer examination, that the dollar notes returned to him were counterfeit, prompting him to report the incident to the Police.
Upon receiving the complaint, operatives from Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters immediately began discreet investigations. Through intelligence gathering and technical tracking, the team traced one of the suspects, Peter Desmond, to Kiniso Village, via Ajue, in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence from community members, operatives proceeded to the identified location on 29th October 2026, where they raided the suspected hideout believed to be used to produce and print counterfeit dollar notes intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
During the operation, police arrested one suspect, while other occupants reportedly escaped through the perimeter fence. A search of the premises led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes and a small wooden box, all of which were taken into police custody as exhibits. The arrested suspect has, however, given useful information that is assisting the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and apprehend all other persons connected to the criminal operation, unravel the full extent of the suspected counterfeit currency network and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
Discussion0