The police command in Nasarawa State has detained  a 62-year-old man for alleged involvement in the circulation of counterfeit currency in the state.

The state police spokesperson, SP Rahman Nansel, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lafia.

Mr Nansel stated that the suspect, Mamuda Hassan, a resident of Anchor Zaria in Kaduna State, was apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, based on credible intelligence.

He said that a preliminary investigation showed the suspect was arrested at the Lafia cattle market while allegedly trading in fake N1,000 denomination notes.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the counterfeit notes were supplied to him by an accomplice residing in Mararaba Akunza, Lafia. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the said accomplice, who is currently at large,” he stated.

The PPRO said the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, called on members of the public to remain vigilant in their daily transactions.

He urged traders, small business owners, fuel station attendants, Point of Sale (POS) operators and motor park workers to be cautious and watch out for signs of counterfeit currency.

According to him, such signs include poor print quality, smaller note size, duplicated serial numbers and absence of visible security features.

Mr Nansel also quoted the CP as urging residents to promptly report anyone found in possession of, or attempting to circulate, suspected fake currency to the nearest police station.

He added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. 

(NAN)