The Bauchi State Police Command has detained a 62-year-old man, Tahir Ahmed, on suspicion of converting paper into what appeared to be counterfeit one-thousand-naira notes.
The arrest followed a report from a concerned citizen who witnessed the incident during Ahmed’s journey from Sabon Garin Narabi in Toro Local Government Area to Bauchi metropolis.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakili, the incident occurred when Ahmed boarded a commercial Vectra vehicle at Tilden Fulani Market in Toro LGA.
During the trip, passengers became alarmed when Ahmed was seen engaging in what they described as ritualistic chanting, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the currency he was handling.
Upon his arrest, the police seized ₦238,000 in suspected counterfeit notes from Ahmed, who later confessed to the crime. Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has since ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
“We are taking this case very seriously,” said Commissioner Muhammad. “The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department has been instructed to request a forensic analysis from the Central Bank of Nigeria to verify the authenticity of the seized notes.”
The police have called on the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts to combat crime and ensure community safety. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding the case.
