NSCDC, CBN to fight naira peddling in Oyo

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, John Adewoye, said the command had begun a...

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

The Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, John Adewoye, said the command had begun a crackdown on peddlers of new naira notes in the state in a bid to protect the nation’s currency and economy.

He said the operation was in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

Adewoye made this known at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while parading 10 suspected currency traders arrested across the state.

He said, “The clampdown on the naira note vendors is hinged on the CBN Act, Section 20, which warns against counterfeiting, hawking, selling or otherwise trading in naira notes, coins or any other note issued by the bank.

“The command began the operation last week and had so far arrested 10 persons and three accomplices. The suspects are Dotun Wahab, 34; Kunle Oladipupo, 35; Tijani Abodun, 32; Eniola Waheed, 22; Olanrewaju Oladipupo, 35; Obisesan Olalekan, 31; Gbenga Omowaye, 40; Samson Ojewola, 24; Akintola Gboyega, 37 and Anifat Abiodun, 38.

“The sum of N1.01m, consisting of various denominations, was recovered from the suspects. Investigations have already commenced on the crime to ascertain the source of the new naira notes.

“The operation will continue with CBN officials until the streets of Oyo State are rid of traders who disrespect the nation’s currency image and economy.”