The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nigerian pastor, Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi, for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud the U.S. government of COVID-19 relief funds.
Oluwasanmi, in collaboration with Osun monarch Oba Joseph Oloyede, is accused of fraudulently obtaining $4.2 million in federal loans intended to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Oluwasanmi, a U.S.-based pastor, used his companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—to secure millions of dollars in relief funds.
The loans, meant for businesses facing financial challenges, were later diverted by the pastor for personal use, in violation of U.S. federal laws.
The pastor, who was indicted on 13 counts of fraud, was arrested in Cleveland in April. He was later released on a $20,000 bail, with the condition that he appear in court for his trial and serve any sentence that may be handed down.
The FBI’s investigation revealed that Oluwasanmi made a wire transfer of $221,880 in September 2020 to purchase commercial property in South Euclid, Ohio. Later, in October 2021, he transferred $1 million in COVID-19 funds to his company’s brokerage account.
Prosecutors have already seized approximately $620,000 from Oluwasanmi, but they are also seeking the forfeiture of additional funds and properties acquired through fraudulent activities.
On April 5, 2024, the FBI seized $599,250 from the pastor’s Dayspring Transportation account at Fidelity Investments, as well as nearly $20,000 from his Dayspring Property account at Key Bank.
As part of his bail conditions, both Oluwasanmi’s U.S. and Nigerian passports have been confiscated to ensure he appears at trial. His U.S. passport bears the name Edward Olanrewaju Abiodun Oluwasanmi, and his Nigerian passport number is A10****31.
This case adds to the growing list of Nigerians involved in large-scale fraud schemes in the U.S. In a similar vein, Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun’s associate, Bidemi Rufai, was released from a U.S. correctional facility in December 2024 after serving a sentence for fraud.
Meanwhile, notorious fraudster Omobolanle Bombata, known as “Bobo Chicago,” was reported to be fighting to avoid jail time after allegedly hacking into company emails to steal millions.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
