A Nigerian national has been apprehended by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority at the Aflao border for attempting to smuggle a large sum of counterfeit currency into the country.
The suspect, 57-year-old Aremu Timothy Adegboyega, was intercepted along an unapproved route known as “Beat Zero” while traveling as a passenger on a motorcycle. Upon searching his backpack, joint security officials discovered over 80 million fake CFA francs alongside smaller amounts of genuine CFA and Nigerian naira that had not been declared.
Acting Commissioner of Customs Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah confirmed that the suspect initially resisted the search, prompting assistance from other security agencies stationed at the border. Following his arrest, the individual reportedly admitted he was aware the currency was counterfeit and claimed to be transporting it on behalf of contacts in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
This enforcement action is part of a larger collaboration with the Bank of Ghana to protect the local foreign exchange market from the destabilizing effects of such criminal syndicates.
The suspect has since been processed through the legal system, where he faced charges related to the possession of forged notes and illegal entry. By mid-2025, judicial proceedings resulted in his conviction, leading to significant fines and a court order for his immediate deportation back to Nigeria.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to heightened surveillance at all entry points to ensure that only legitimate goods and currency enter the country through sanctioned channels.