Forensic Examination of Counterfeit Currency in Circulation in Kogi State

The circulation of counterfeit currency undermines economic stability and confidence in monetary systems, creating both a financial crime and a forensic investigation challenge for Nigerian law enforcement agencies. This study examines forensic techniques applied in the detection and examination of counterfeit naira notes confiscated in Kogi State between 2020 and 2024. A descriptive quantitative design was used, reviewing forty forensic examination reports generated by the Central Bank of Nigeria's currency verification unit and the Nigeria Police Force, supplemented by interviews with eight currency forensic examiners. The study assesses the physical, chemical, and optical security features used to authenticate genuine currency, the methods applied to detect counterfeits, and the prosecution outcomes for currency fraud cases in Kogi State. Findings indicate that ultraviolet lamp examination, watermark assessment, and intaglio print feel tests are the primary detection methods employed, with advanced techniques such as spectroscopic analysis rarely used. Counterfeits detected in Kogi State predominantly exhibited compromised security threads and digitally printed rather than intaglio-printed surfaces. Prosecution outcomes were achieved in only thirty percent of documented cases due to challenges in tracing counterfeit production networks. Recommendations include enhanced inter-agency collaboration between the CBN, EFCC, and state police commands and the deployment of portable spectroscopic tools for currency authentication in the North Central zone. Keywords: counterfeit currency, forensic examination, Kogi State, currency authentication, financial crime.