EFCC Achieves Major Victory in Kogi Court: Man Sentenced for Currency Counterfeiting

The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, presided by Justice Isa Dashen, on November 12, 2024, sentenced Kehinde Amaka, also known as Yomade Ademisoye Ojomo, to two years in prison for involvement in currency counterfeiting. The court found Amaka guilty of possessing over $2.2 million in counterfeit U.S. dollar bills. Prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Amaka was charged on two counts under the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provision) Act of 2004, which criminalizes possession and manufacturing of fake currency.

Amaka’s sentencing marks a significant achievement for the EFCC in tackling currency counterfeiting within Nigeria. Justice Dashen’s ruling not only emphasized the severity of the offense but also mandated the forfeiture of the fake currency to the federal government, signaling a firm stance against financial crimes. The EFCC’s legal team, led by prosecutor Hadiza Afebua, presented strong evidence, which included material exhibits and witness testimonies confirming Amaka’s activities and establishing his intent.

Details of the Counterfeiting Charges and Evidence Presented

Amaka faced two distinct charges: possession of counterfeit currency and possession of chemical dye and materials used to counterfeit currency. The first count specifically accused him of possessing $2,028,400 in fake U.S. dollar bills in $100 denominations, in violation of Section 5(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency Act. The second count outlined his possession of dye and instruments used for making counterfeit bills, as prohibited under Section 2 of the same Act.

During the trial, EFCC operative Alonge Opeyemi Joseph served as the primary witness, offering comprehensive testimony on the case. Joseph detailed how the EFCC received a petition from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after counterfeit currency and related materials were found with Amaka. His team’s investigation included forensic examination of the seized fake currency, interviews with the accused, and the analysis of financial accounts linked to Amaka. The physical evidence—including the counterfeit notes, chemical dyes, and other materials used in production—was displayed in court, reinforcing the strength of the prosecution’s case.

Investigation Unveils Amaka’s Double Identity and Financial Links

Further investigation by the EFCC revealed that Amaka, also identified as Yomade Ademisoye Ojomo, had multiple bank accounts under different identities, raising suspicions of financial misconduct and potential flight risk. Witness Joseph highlighted that the defendant’s BVN check exposed dual identities, a fact that intensified the investigation. The EFCC also requested a remand warrant based on the perceived risk that Amaka might attempt to evade justice.

The EFCC’s probe extended to scrutinizing Amaka’s bank accounts, which, while lacking substantial recent transactions, reinforced suspicions about his involvement in organized financial crimes. The confiscated fake currency and counterfeiting tools provided irrefutable evidence of his intent and preparation to produce large volumes of counterfeit dollars. The case serves as a cautionary example of how dual identities and lack of transparency in financial dealings are red flags in financial crime investigations.

Court’s Judgment and EFCC’s Continued Commitment to Fighting Counterfeiting

In his ruling, Justice Dashen imposed a one-year prison term for each count, totaling two years in jail for Amaka, along with a fine of N300,000 (three hundred thousand naira). The court also ordered that the counterfeit $2.2 million be permanently forfeited to the federal government, thus preventing its circulation and potential harm to Nigeria’s financial system. The sentence reflects a balanced approach, acknowledging the gravity of the crime while encouraging greater public awareness about the implications of counterfeiting.

This conviction is a milestone in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat currency counterfeiting, an offense that poses risks to both Nigeria’s economy and its reputation on the global stage. EFCC representatives reiterated their dedication to upholding financial integrity, stressing that cases like Amaka’s send a clear message that counterfeiters will face serious consequences. By securing this conviction, the EFCC reinforces its role as a guardian of financial stability, reminding potential offenders of the law’s reach and rigor in financial crime prosecution.