By Ezekiel David, Lagos
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man, Tahir Ahmed, on suspicion of possessing counterfeit currency. According to a Daily Post report, the arrest took place after a concerned citizen reported suspicious activities during a journey to Bauchi.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the suspect was found in possession of N238,000 in what is believed to be fake currency. The discovery was made during a routine trip from Sabon Garin Narabi in Toro Local Government Area to Bauchi metropolis.
The incident began when a vigilant passenger from Jos North LGA in Plateau State boarded the same commercial Vectra vehicle as the suspect. As the journey progressed, Tahir Ahmed joined the vehicle at Tilden Fulani market in Toro LGA, Bauchi State. During the trip, the suspect allegedly performed ritualistic chants, turning ordinary papers into what appeared to be new N1000 notes, raising immediate suspicions among the other passengers.
Upon arrival near Yandoka Road in Bauchi, one of the passengers, described as a “good Samaritan,” promptly reported the incident to the police. During interrogation, Tahir Ahmed reportedly confessed to the crime, according to SP Wakil.
The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has since ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to seek forensic analysis from the Central Bank of Nigeria to verify the authenticity of the seized currency.