5 Arrested With Fake Dollars, Pounds, Indian Hemp

Five individuals have been apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials after being found in possession of fake foreign currencies and Indian hemp.

Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun issued the order to detain the suspects on Wednesday.

The detainees, identified as Francis Omwukei (26), Kingsley Ude (33), Umar Idris (37), Eyo (27), and Bright Ahamefula (26), were presented before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court to face a two-count charge that included possession of counterfeit foreign currencies (Pounds Sterling and US dollars) and Indian hemp.

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Rita Momoh, the prosecutor, disclosed that the defendants’ arrest occurred on August 9, 2023, in the vicinity of White Sand, Ijora, located within Lagos State. The prosecutor further highlighted that the individuals were apprehended for publicly displaying substances suspected to be Indian hemp, an act that holds the potential to disrupt the peace.

Momoh added that the actions of the defendants violated Sections 329 and 442 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, rendering them liable to corresponding penalties.

The formal charge stated, “On August 9, 2023, at White Sand, Ijora, Lagos, in the Lagos State Magisterial District, you, Francis Omwukei, Kingsley Ude, Umar Idris, Eyo, and Bright Ahamefula, were found in possession of suspected Indian hemp leaves and two bags containing counterfeit US Dollar currency, as well as Pounds Sterling currency. This constitutes an offense against Section 329 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”

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Although the defendants entered pleas of not guilty in response to the charges presented against them, Magistrate Olatunbosun ruled that they remain in police custody for seven days without a remand warrant. The intention is to allow the police ample time to compile the case file and forward it to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advisory.

The proceedings were adjourned by Olatunbosun and are set to continue on August 23, 2023, when legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution is anticipated.

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