A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced Kehinde Amaka, also known as Yomade Ademisoye Ojomo, to one year in prison for possession of counterfeit U.S. dollars worth $2,028,400.
The ruling was delivered on November 12, 2024, by Justice Isa Dashen, who found Amaka guilty based on charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had charged him under Sections 2 and 5(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act, 2004.
During the hearing, the prosecution counsel, Hadiza Afebua, highlighted that the case was ready for trial conclusion, conviction, and sentencing. The charges against Amaka included possession of counterfeit U.S. currency and the illegal possession of materials and equipment used in the production of fake $100 bills.
According to court documents, the first charge stated: “You, Kehinde Amaka a.k.a. Yomade Ademisoye Ojomo, on May 15, 2024, in Lokoja, Kogi State, knowingly had in your possession counterfeit U.S. dollars worth $2,028,400, committing an offence punishable under Section 5(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act.”
The second charge stated: “On May 15, 2024, in Lokoja, you unlawfully possessed chemical dye and instruments intended for making counterfeit U.S. $100 bills, violating Section 2 of the same Act.”
During the trial, the first prosecution witness (PW1), Alonge Opeyemi Joseph, testified that the case was initially reported by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on May 16, 2024. He explained that the EFCC received a written petition, along with the defendant and the exhibits containing the counterfeit currency.
“The petition, along with the defendant and the exhibits, was assigned to the Counter Terrorism, General Investigation, and Pension Section of the EFCC,” Joseph stated. He added that the fake currency was counted in the defendant’s presence, and a voluntary statement was recorded after cautioning him.
Justice Dashen found Amaka guilty and sentenced him to a one-year term of imprisonment, emphasizing that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and must be deterred.
