Driver nabbed with ₦1m fake cash in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a commercial driver caught in possession of ₦1 million in fake currency during a routine stop-and-search along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway.

Police spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.

According to him, the suspect was flagged down around 8:45 p.m. on Friday near the Guru Maharaj Ji area by operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol Team. He was driving a green Toyota Sienna with Lagos registration number FKJ 443 YG.

“On searching the vehicle, officers found approximately ₦1,000,000 in ₦1,000 denominations. The notes carried only three serial numbers—₦500,000 (235923), ₦300,000 (235922), and ₦200,000 (235921). They were wrapped in transparent plastic and sealed with tape,” Osifeso said.

During interrogation, the driver claimed he was only a courier. He said the parcel was handed to him by an unidentified individual in Ojota, Lagos, with instructions to deliver it in Osogbo, Osun State.

He also alleged he was told the package contained body cream and not cash.

Osifeso assured residents that the police remain committed to fighting financial crimes and protecting the economy from currency fraud.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities that may aid ongoing investigations.

“We call on citizens to remain alert and continue to support law enforcement efforts in curbing financial crimes,” he added.

Investigations into the case reportedly still underway.