EFCC Docks Mahammed Sani Over Possession of Counterfeit $2.1m

SAN FRANCISCO, January 22, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Mohammed Sani before Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on seven count charge bordering on illegal possession of fake currency. Mohammed Sani was arrested on November 29, 2012 with counterfeit $2,115,500 (Two Million, One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) and 1000 Naira bills to the tune of N900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira).

The charge was read to the accused in English and eventually translated into Hausa, his preferred language. He pleaded not guilty.

One of the charge reads: “that you Mohammed Sani on or about 29th day of November 2012, in Kano within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Kano, had in your possession without lawful authority Eight Thousand Five Hundred and Four (8504) pieces of counterfeit $100USD (United States Dollars) Bills each with serial number HJ61755200A 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. 35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004”.

The case has been adjourned to February 25, 2013 for hearing, while the accused is remanded in prison custody.