Driver Arrested for Transporting N1 Million in Counterfeit Currency in Oyo
By Our Correspondent
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a driver on suspicion of transporting counterfeit banknotes worth N1 million. The arrest was confirmed by Police Public Relations Officer Adewale Osifeso in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
The driver was intercepted by the Federal Highway Patrol Team during a routine check on Friday evening at approximately 8:45 PM near the Guru Maharaj Ji area along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway. He was driving a green Sienna with Lagos registration plate number FKJ 443 YG.
Officers became suspicious of the driver’s behavior and conducted a search of the vehicle. They discovered around N1,000,000 in N1,000-denomination notes wrapped in a transparent plastic parcel sealed with tape. The cash featured only three distinct serial numbers: ₦500,000 (235923), ₦300,000 (235922), and ₦200,000 (235921).
Upon questioning, the driver claimed he was acting as a courier and had received the package from an unidentified individual in Ojota, Lagos.
He stated that he was instructed to deliver it to Osogbo in Osun State without the recipient’s name or contact information. The driver further alleged that he was told the parcel contained body cream.
Osifeso reassured the public of the police’s commitment to combating currency fraud and other financial crimes that threaten the economy and community safety.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted, and citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in efforts to curb financial crimes,” he added.
