Court sentences man to 5 years imprisonment over possession of fake US dollars

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a man, Philimon  Gora, to five years in prison without the option of a fine for unlawful possession of counterfeit currency.

Justice James Omotosho handed down the sentence on Thursday, June 3, 2025, following Gora’s conviction for holding fake U.S. dollar bills.

According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gora was initially arraigned on a seven-count charge, later amended to a single count relating to the unlawful possession of counterfeit currency.

The amended charge read: “That you Philemon Ibrahim Gora on or about the 7th July 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court had in your possession without lawful authority 21 pieces of counterfeit One Hundred US Dollar bills series 2009A with serial numbers LB4550078L ($100) denomination knowing them to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5(1)(b) and punishable under Section 5(2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provision) Act Cap C35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

Gora pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting a full trial during which the prosecution, led by A.O. Muhammad, called three witnesses.

Justice Omotosho found the defendant guilty and sentenced him accordingly.

Gora’s case dates back to 2021 when he was arrested in possession of 26 counterfeit $100 bills.

Investigators discovered that 21 of the notes bore the same serial number: LB45440078L. Following his arrest, he was charged to court and has now been convicted.