The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) achieved a significant legal outcome on Wednesday, March 18, 2024, as it successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction and sentencing of individuals involved in currency counterfeiting within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court situated in Ikoyi, Lagos. Specifically, individuals Iliyasu Garba and Joseph Ude faced charges related to counterfeiting and possession of counterfeit currency, presided over by Justice K.O. Ogundare.
The accused, alongside Benjamin Opara, were collectively arraigned on a five-count charge pertaining to counterfeiting and possession of counterfeit currency, with one such count alleging a conspiracy to engage in dealing with counterfeit currency amounting to $10,000 (Ten Thousand United States Dollars), contrary to relevant sections of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. C35, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
In the proceedings, Garba and Ude entered pleas of “guilty,” whereas Opara pleaded “not guilty.” Subsequently, prosecuting counsel T.J. Banjo presented evidence through EFCC operative Adamu Yakubu, who detailed the circumstances of the case. Yakubu informed the court that Marcellinus, apprehended by the Nigerian Customs Service for possession of counterfeit US dollar bills, revealed under interrogation that Ude had provided him with the counterfeit notes for delivery to an individual in Brazil.
Further investigation led to the revelation that Ude had obtained the counterfeit dollars from Garba at a rate of N1,500 per $100 during November 2023. Garba, in turn, admitted to purchasing the counterfeit currency from Opara, who was identified as the producer of the counterfeit bills, selling them to Garba at N800 for every $100, subsequently resold to Ude at a higher rate.
Forensic analysis confirmed the counterfeit nature of the currency, leading to the admission of extrajudicial statements, forensic analysis printouts, and counterfeit currencies as exhibits. Justice Ogundare, after due consideration, found Garba and Ude guilty as charged.
In mitigation, counsel representing Garba and Ude pleaded for leniency, suggesting either a non-custodial sentence or an option of a fine. However, Justice Ogundare sentenced Garba and Ude to six months’ imprisonment from the date of arrest, with the alternative of a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Opara’s bail hearing was adjourned to April 22, 2024, with the judge ordering his remand at the Correctional Centre until then.
