Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into Usaini Ibrahim, a suspect arrested in Kano with counterfeit United States currency worth $212,200.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ibrahim was arrested on September 3, 2026, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) along Maiduguri Road in Kano after the counterfeit notes were discovered. The suspect and the seized currency were subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The formal handover took place at the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate, where the acting zonal director, Friday Ebelo, received the suspect and the exhibits from Yahaya Labaran, a deputy superintendent of narcotics representing the NDLEA.
Ebelo reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tackling the circulation of counterfeit currency and other fraudulent schemes. He also urged members of the public to be cautious of money-doubling schemes, which he said often involve counterfeit notes being used to defraud unsuspecting people.
The EFCC said Ibrahim remains in its custody while investigations continue. The commission added that he would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The case comes amid other reported incidents involving suspected counterfeit US dollars in Kano and neighbouring states. In one earlier case, NDLEA operatives intercepted two suspects in Kano with suspected counterfeit $899,800, while another suspect was arrested in Kano in March 2026 over alleged production of counterfeit $600,000.
EFCC said its investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the counterfeit currency and establish whether other offences or individuals are connected to the case.
