The Niger State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of suspected counterfeit naira notes and traditional items in a room near a student hostel in Bida.

The discovery, made last Saturday, led to the arrest of a man identified as Mohammed Jamiu, after police recovered 27 suspected counterfeit ₦1,000 notes from the premises.

Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the items recovered alongside the suspected fake currency included charms, a calabash and red cloth.

Jamiu reportedly told investigators that the suspected counterfeit notes came into his possession after he sold his sewing machine in Suleja. He also claimed that the traditional items found in the room were inherited from his grandfather.

The police are, however, investigating the circumstances under which the suspected fake notes came into his possession, particularly whether the money was knowingly circulated or obtained through an illicit transaction.

Authorities are also expected to establish the relevance of the traditional items to the case, while efforts continue to determine whether other persons may have been involved.

The command said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the source of the suspected counterfeit currency and the full circumstances surrounding its recovery.