Police bust suspected fake dollar factory in Ondo

The police in Ondo State have dismantled what appears to be an illicit operation for manufacturing counterfeit US dollar notes, making an arrest in the process. One individual, Peter Desmond, is currently detained as authorities continue their investigation. The operation was uncovered in Odigbo Local Government Area, with the suspect apprehended at a residence in Kiniso Village, adjacent to Ajue.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the state Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed these details in a statement released on Tuesday. The development stemmed from a fraud complaint filed by Yusuf Nasiru, a resident of Sabo, Okitipupa, on October 28, 2026. According to Nasiru, two men—Desmond and Olami Toro—visited his shop on October 25, attempting to exchange $6,000 (approximately ₦8.6 million) in US dollars for naira.

They had given him the foreign currency but later returned it, citing an inability to obtain enough naira to finalize the transaction.

Upon further examination, Nasiru realized the notes were counterfeit and promptly informed the police. Detective work conducted by the Okitipupa Divisional Police Headquarters led them directly to Desmond, who was apprehended during a raid on October 29. During the search, police found three bags of what they believe to be fake US dollars, along with a small wooden box, which are now under investigation.

Desmond is being held in custody and is reportedly providing valuable information to investigators, helping to unravel more details about the alleged counterfeit operation.