The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended two suspects, Garba Audu and Kabiru Abubakar, both residents of Laying Arfa, Gombe, for attempting to purchase bags of beans using counterfeit money.
The incident occurred when the suspects tried to buy two bags of beans from a trader, Idris Usman, at Lariski market. Upon realizing that the money handed to him was fake, Usman raised an alarm, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Usman, the suspects flagged him down while he was on his way to the market and negotiated the purchase of two bags of beans for ₦210,000. However, upon closer inspection of the money, Usman discovered that it was counterfeit. Acting swiftly, he alerted nearby individuals, leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Police Statement and Investigation
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Gombe State Command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, paraded the suspects on Tuesday. He revealed that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and disclosed that they had received the counterfeit money from an individual identified as Abdullahi, alias “Manci,” who resides in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“Manci,” believed to be the source of the counterfeit money, is currently at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.
“We recovered two bags of beans and ₦39,000, which is suspected to be counterfeit, during a search of the suspects’ vehicle,” ASP Abdullahi said.
Community Vigilance Praised
The police spokesperson commended the vigilance of the community and their prompt action in reporting the crime. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement in combating criminal activities.
“We appreciate the community’s vigilance and prompt action in this matter. Their efforts made it possible to apprehend the suspects before they could escape,” he added.
Legal Action Pending
The PPRO assured that the suspects would face prosecution upon the completion of the investigation. The police are also intensifying efforts to locate and arrest the fugitive, Abdullahi, who allegedly supplied the counterfeit money.
Counterfeit Currency: A Growing Concern
The case highlights the ongoing issue of counterfeit currency in Nigeria, particularly in rural and market settings, where traders and small business owners are vulnerable to such scams. The use of fake currency not only harms individual victims but also destabilizes local economies.
The Gombe State Police Command has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving counterfeit currency to the authorities.
Conclusion
The arrest of Garba Audu and Kabiru Abubakar serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance against financial crimes. The police have reassured the public of their commitment to addressing such issues and ensuring that offenders face justice.
This incident also underscores the importance of public cooperation in tackling crimes, as community vigilance played a pivotal role in preventing the suspects from escaping and potentially defrauding others.
