The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man found with ₦1 million in counterfeit currency during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Police spokesperson, CSP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the arrest was made at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday, August 29, by officers of the Federal Highway Patrol near the Guru Maharaji area.
According to the police, the suspect, identified as Akande, was driving a green Toyota Sienna with registration number FKJ 443 YG, when operatives flagged him down for inspection. A search of the vehicle uncovered ₦1 million in ₦1,000 denominations, concealed in a transparent plastic parcel.
Osifeso explained that the suspect confessed to acting as a courier, claiming he received the parcel from an unidentified individual at Ojota, Lagos, for delivery to Osogbo. He, however, insisted he was unaware it contained counterfeit notes, stating he was told it was “body cream.”
The Command noted that the arrest highlights its determination to tackle financial crimes and safeguard the state. It urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.
The police added that investigations are ongoing and assured the public of timely updates.