Police Nab Six Over Alleged Production Of €8,900 Counterfeit Currency

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested six suspects allegedly involved in the possession, circulation and production of counterfeit Euro currency.

The suspects were arrested following a patrol operation conducted by police operatives around the Labo–Wesley area of Ibadan, the state capital.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident occurred on September 1, 2026, at about 7:30pm.

The police said its operatives on township patrol intercepted three men travelling on a motorcycle and subjected them to a search.

The search reportedly led to the recovery of 89 pieces of suspected counterfeit €100 notes, with a total face value of €8,900.

The suspects were identified as Tijani Saheed, 50, who was allegedly found in possession of the suspected counterfeit currency; Oni Oladapo, 67, who allegedly supplied the money; Adebayo Saheed, 52, the second passenger on the motorcycle; and Hammed Karemu, 25, the motorcycle rider.

The Command said the roles allegedly played by each of the suspects were still being investigated.

“During investigation, the suspects confessed to the commission of the crime and led operatives to the location where the suspected counterfeit currency was allegedly purchased,” the statement said.

Police said a forensic search of the premises resulted in the recovery of items suspected to have been used in producing the counterfeit notes.

The operation also led to the arrest of the alleged producer, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the case to six.

The Command said the suspects remained in custody and were cooperating with investigators.

It added that they would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.

He assured residents and business owners that the Command would continue to target criminal networks involved in economic and financial crimes.

The police urged members of the public to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line, 615, or the Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.