EFCC Probes Suspect Arrested With Fake $212,200 In Kano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into a suspect, Usaini Ibrahim, arrested in Kano with counterfeit United States currency valued at $212,200.

Ibrahim was arrested on 3rd September, 2026 by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Maiduguri Road, Kano, following the discovery of the suspected counterfeit dollars.

The suspect, alongside the fake currency, was handed over to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The formal handover took place at the EFCC’s Kano office, where the acting zonal director, assistant commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, received the suspect and the exhibits from the NDLEA.

During the handover, a representative of the NDLEA, deputy superintendent of Narcotics Yahaya Labaran, commended the continued collaboration between both agencies in tackling financial crimes and sanitising Nigeria’s financial system.

Ebelo, while acknowledging the handover, reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to combating the circulation of counterfeit currencies and other fraudulent financial schemes.

He particularly warned members of the public against falling victim to so-called “money doubling” schemes, which, according to him, are often facilitated with counterfeit currencies.

“Such fake currencies coming into the economy do not paint a good picture of us,” Ebelo added.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid individuals who offer to double money or engage them in other suspicious financial transactions.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, while confirming the probe, said Ibrahim remains in EFCC custody and would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.