The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a self-styled cleric, Umar Mikailu Shuaibu, along with 51-year-old Akilu Salisu for allegedly being involved in the circulation of counterfeit foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars and British pounds.
Another suspect, Salisu Nura, is also being held by the anti-graft agency.
It was learnt that Nura and Shuaibu were initially arrested by operatives of the Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a stop-and-search operation on January 27, 2026, before being transferred to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The EFCC said: “During the operation, Nura was found in possession of 435 pieces of counterfeit $100 notes and 378 pieces of counterfeit £50 notes.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the counterfeit currencies were intended for delivery to Shuaibu, while Salisu was identified as the final recipient in the distribution chain.
“Further investigation into Shuaibu’s account with a digital payment platform uncovered multiple suspicious transactions amounting to over N5 million, for which he could not provide satisfactory explanations.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.”
