The charge states; “That you Philemon Ibrahim Gora on or about the 7th July 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court had in your possession without lawful authority 21 pieces of counterfeit One Hundred US Dollar ($100) bills series 2009A with serial numbers LB4550078L denomination knowing them to be counterfeit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5(1(b) and punishable under Section 5(2) of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provision) Act Cap C35, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
Upon being read the charges, Gora pleaded not guilty, which led to a full trial. The prosecution, represented by A.O. Muhammad, called three witnesses to testify against him. In his ruling on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Justice Omotosho found Philimon Gora guilty and imposed a five-year prison sentence against him, without the option of a fine.
Gora’s path to imprisonment began in 2021 when he was apprehended with 26 pieces of One Hundred US Dollar Bills ($100), 21 of which shared the same serial number: LB45440078L.
