A Nigerian pastor residing in the United States, Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi, has recently been arrested by the FBI over his alleged involvement in a massive internet fraud scheme. Pastor Oluwasanmi, in collaboration with Osun monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, is accused of defrauding the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
The duo reportedly submitted forged documents to apply for loans that were intended to support struggling businesses during the pandemic. Oluwasanmi utilized his three companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—to secure millions of dollars, which he later diverted for personal expenses, violating U.S. federal laws.
Pastor Oluwasanmi, who resides in the U.S., faced a 13-count fraud charge and was arrested in Cleveland in April. He was subsequently released on a $20,000 bail with the condition that he appear for trial and serve any prison sentence if convicted. As part of his bail agreement, Oluwasanmi will be re-arrested if he fails to appear in court for his trial.
This high-profile case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the ongoing issue of internet fraud and the misuse of relief funds intended to support businesses during the pandemic.
