Cleric, Two Others Nabbed For Alleged Fake Dollar Scam

According to Ireporter Online, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody self-proclaimed cleric Umar Mikailu Shuaibu, 51-year-old Akilu Salisu, and Salisu Nura over alleged involvement in the circulation of counterfeit foreign currencies, including United States Dollars and Pounds Sterling.

The suspects were initially apprehended 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 handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

During the operation, Nura was reportedly found in possession of 435 counterfeit $100 notes and 378 counterfeit £50 notes. Preliminary investigations suggest that the counterfeit currencies were intended for Shuaibu, while Salisu was identified as the final recipient in the distribution chain.

The EFCC also uncovered multiple suspicious transactions totaling over N5 million in Shuaibu’s digital payment platform account, which he failed to adequately explain. The agency confirmed that the suspects will be arraigned in court following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.