FBI arrests US-based Nigerian pastor for COVID-19 fraud, links to detained monarch, Apetu of Ipetumodu

Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi has been arrested by the FBI for conspiring with Osun monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to defraud the US government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

Oluwasanmi submitted forged documents to obtain loans meant to support struggling businesses during the pandemic, which he then diverted for personal use, violating U.S. federal laws.

The pastor allegedly used his three companies, Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation, to secure millions of dollars in fraudulent loans.

He was indicted on a 13 counts of fraud and arrested in Cleveland in April, before being released on $20,000 bail.

Oluwasanmi’s questionable financial dealings also include a wire transfer of $221,880 in September 2020 to purchase a commercial property in Ohio.

The case against him is ongoing, with the FBI investigating the extent of his involvement in the fraud scheme.

According to the report, on October 26, 2021, he transferred $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds to a brokerage account belonging to Dayspring Transportation, his company.

Prosecutors have already seized approximately $620,000 from the Nigerian pastor and are seeking the forfeiture of both the confiscated sum and other assets acquired through fraudulent proceeds.

On April 5, 2024, the FBI seized $599,250 from Oluwasanmi’s Dayspring Transportation account with Fidelity Investments (ending in –5800). An additional $20,000 was confiscated from his Dayspring Property account (ending in –3548) at Key Bank on the same day.

Both his U.S. and Nigerian passports were seized to ensure his compliance with trial proceedings. His U.S. passport lists his name as Edward Olanrewaju Abiodun Oluwasanmi.

As part of his bail conditions, he faces immediate re-arrest if he fails to appear in court for his trial.

Recall that on Monday Oba Joseph Oloyede, Nigerian monarch from the Osun State the Apetu of Ipetumodu, was reported found in FBI custody.

The Nigerian monarch, who is also a US citizen, is currently battling a 13 counts fraud indictment in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

According to US court documents, Oloyede was arrested on May 4, 2024, after a warrant was issued for his apprehension.

The FBI accuses him of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme through his six registered companies, obtaining loans meant for struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oloyede reportedly pocketed $1.7 million for his own businesses and another $1.3 million by submitting falsified applications for co-conspirators.

. Peoples Gazette