Police Raid Suspected Counterfeit Dollar Printing Factory in Ondo, Arrest One Suspect

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a suspected counterfeit currency printing operation in Kiniso Village, near Ajue, in Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting one suspect and recovering three bags of suspected fake United States dollar notes.

The arrested suspect was identified as Peter Desmond. Police also recovered a small wooden box and other materials believed to be connected to the alleged counterfeiting operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Jimoh explained that the investigation began after a man identified as Yusuf Nasiru, from Sabo, Okitipupa, reported an alleged fraud involving two men, Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele.

According to the police spokesperson, Nasiru reported that the two men approached him at his shop on October 25, 2026, requesting to exchange United States dollars for their naira equivalent.

The complainant said he handed over $6,000, valued at approximately ₦8.6 million, to the men. However, while waiting to receive the naira equivalent, the suspects allegedly returned the dollar notes, claiming they did not have enough money to complete the transaction, before leaving.

Nasiru later discovered that the notes returned to him were counterfeit after examining them more closely. He subsequently reported the incident to the police on October 28.

Following the complaint, operatives from the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters launched an investigation involving intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

The police said their investigation led them to Peter Desmond, who was traced to Kiniso Village, near Ajue, in Odigbo Local Government Area.

On October 29, operatives raided the suspected hideout, which was allegedly being used to produce and print counterfeit dollar notes for fraudulent activities.

One suspect was arrested during the operation, while other occupants of the premises reportedly escaped through a perimeter fence.

A search of the property led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes and a small wooden box. The items were taken into police custody as exhibits.

Jimoh added that Desmond was assisting investigators with information as the police continued their investigation into the alleged counterfeiting operation.