The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a suspect identified as Chukwuebuka Igwebuike for allegedly defrauding traders with fake naira notes in the Afor Market area of Garki Awkunanaw, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the arrest was made following a tip-off received by operatives in the Awkunanaw division.
Igwebuike, aged 37, reportedly gathered fake one thousand Naira notes amounting to N362,000.
His strategy involved using fake notes to buy goods of lower denominations from unsuspecting traders in the market.
In return, he would receive the balance in genuine smaller denominations without arousing suspicion.
The suspect was apprehended on December 19, around 6 p.m. at Afor Market, Garki Awkunanaw, Enugu.
Following his arrest, Igwebuike confessed to the crime during preliminary investigations.
He admitted to using fake currency to buy items with small prices, obtaining change in genuine smaller denominations.
The Enugu State Police Command disclosed that Igwebuike would be arraigned in court once the ongoing investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has called on citizens to exercise vigilance, especially during the yuletide season.
CP Uzuegbu urged the public to promptly report anyone in possession of or transacting in fake Nigerian Naira notes to the nearest police station for necessary action.
News About Nigeria earlier reported that CBN warned that fake naira notes are now in circulation.
While warning Nigerians to beware of the counterfeit naira notes in circulation, the apex bank noted that the fake currency now in circulation is a result of currency shortage in the country.
In the statement, the CBN charged deposit money banks, financial houses, Bureau de Change, and the public to be vigilant and implement necessary precautions to not fall victim to fraud.
