The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected counterfeit dollar-printing factory in Kiniso Village, Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting one suspect and recovering three bags of suspected fake US dollar notes.
The operation followed a complaint by a currency dealer, Yusuf Nasiru, who reported that two men, identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, approached his shop in Okitipupa on October 25 to exchange dollars for naira. He allegedly handed them $6,000, valued at about ₦8.6 million.
According to the police, the suspects later returned what appeared to be the dollars, claiming they did not have enough money to complete the transaction. The complainant subsequently discovered that the notes were counterfeit and reported the incident.
Police investigations led operatives to a suspected production site in Kiniso Village, where they arrested Desmond on October 29. Other occupants reportedly escaped through a perimeter fence, while officers recovered three bags of suspected counterfeit dollar notes and a small wooden box.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh said the arrested suspect was assisting investigators with useful information. Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has ordered an intensified investigation to track down the fleeing suspects and uncover others connected to the alleged operation.
Daily Times
