The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on November 10, 2014 arraigned one Badamasi Alhassan before Justice Fatu Riman of Federal High Court Kano on a 3-count charge bordering possession of counterfeit currencies.
The accused was arrested in November, 2013 by the Operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, in a sting operation, following a report alleging that the accused was circulating counterfeit one thousand Naira notes in the country.
Count one of the charge reads, ”That you Badamasi Alhassan on or about the 23rd November, 2013 in Kano within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court had in your possession without lawful authority One Hundred and Eight (108) pieces of counterfeit N1000 each with serial numbers J/97920270 knowing same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 5(1) (b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. C35, Laws of the Federation LFN 2004.”
The accused pleaded not guilty and was remanded in prison custody pending hearing of bail application. Justice Fatu Riman adjourned the case to 14th November, 2014.
In a related development, the Commission on Friday, November 7, 2014 arraigned one Mannir Mohammed also known as Garkuwan malaman Katsina before Justice Babagana Ashgar of Federal High Court Katsina on a one count charge bordering possession of counterfeit United States Dollar bills.
The accused was arrested in December 2013 by the DSS following report that HE was circulating counterfeit Naira and United State Dollar notes.
The count reads,”That you Mannir Mohammed on or about the 26th day of November 2013 in Katsina within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court had in your possession without lawful authority three (3) pieces of counterfeit $100 USD Bills each with serial number HJ 61755201 A J10 knowing same to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 5(1) (b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. C35, Laws of the Federation LFN 2004.”
