The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended a driver allegedly caught with ₦1 million in counterfeit notes during a highway stop.
According to the command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, the arrest took place on Friday evening along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, near the Guru Maharaj Ji area.
The suspect, driving a green Toyota Sienna bus with Lagos registration number FKJ 443 YG, was stopped around 8:45 pm by officers of the Federal Highway Patrol Team during a routine check.
Officers reportedly became suspicious of the driver’s behaviour, prompting a search of the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of approximately ₦1,000,000 in ₦1,000-denomination notes.
Interestingly, the notes were neatly wrapped in transparent plastic parcels sealed with tape and carried only three serial numbers:
- ₦500,000 – Serial number: 235923
- ₦300,000 – Serial number: 235922
- ₦200,000 – Serial number: 235921
When interrogated, the driver claimed he was merely a courier. He stated that he collected the parcel from an unidentified man in Ojota, Lagos, with instructions to deliver it to Osogbo, Osun State. The driver further alleged he was told the package contained body cream and was not given any recipient’s details.
Osifeso assured residents that the police are committed to combating currency fraud and other financial crimes in the state.
“We call on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in curbing currency fraud and other crimes that threaten economic stability,” the police spokesperson added.
This arrest adds to growing concerns about counterfeit currency circulation in Nigeria, a trend that continues to undermine economic trust and stability.
