EFCC arrests 2 over moves to spiritually convert counterfeit $899,800 into genuine currency

Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested two men in possession of fake United States dollars amounting to $899,800 while they were on their way to consult a spiritualist allegedly capable of converting counterfeit currency into genuine notes.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC on Saturday, the suspects — Abubakar Hussaini, 42, and Sahabi Adamu, 53 — were first intercepted by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) along Maiduguri Road in Wudil, Kano State.

“They were traveling in a commercial Golf 3 Station Wagon car en route to Kila Village in Gwaram Local Government Area, LGA, of Jigawa State.

“Upon search, the NDLEA team discovered the suspected fake notes concealed inside a Maggi Star seasoning carton. The suspects and exhibits were subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were transporting the counterfeit currency to Kila Village to meet one Muhammad Walo, who was to introduce them to Mallam Mashiru, a self-proclaimed spiritualist claiming to be capable of ‘transforming’ counterfeit dollars into genuine currency through ritual prayers,” the statement said.

The EFCC added that its Kano Zonal Directorate has commenced a full investigation into the matter, and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.