The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi for allegedly conspiring with Osun monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to defraud the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
Like the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Mr. Oluwasanmi was accused of submitting forged documents to apply for COVID-19 loans intended to support struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Authorities allege that Mr. Oluwasanmi used his three companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars, which he later diverted for personal expenses in violation of U.S. federal laws.
The U.S.-based Nigerian pastor was indicted on a 13-count charge and arrested in Cleveland in April. He was later released on a $20,000 bail under the condition that he appear in court for trial and serve any sentence imposed if convicted.
In September 2020, Mr. Oluwasanmi allegedly wired approximately $221,880 to pay for a commercial property on South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio. On October 26, 2021, he transferred $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds to the brokerage account of his company, Dayspring Transportation.
Prosecutors have already seized about $620,000 from the pastor and are seeking further forfeiture of the confiscated funds and other assets acquired with the proceeds of fraud.
The FBI reportedly seized $599,250 from Mr. Oluwasanmi’s Dayspring Transportation account with Fidelity Investments, ending in –5800, on April 5, 2024. Nearly $20,000 was also seized from his Dayspring Property account at Key Bank, ending in –3548, on the same day.
Additionally, U.S. authorities confiscated both Mr. Oluwasanmi’s U.S. and Nigerian passports to ensure his compliance with legal proceedings. His U.S. passport bears the name Edward Olanrewaju Abiodun Oluwasanmi, with passport number 5876, while his Nigerian passport number is **A10*31.
As part of his bail conditions, Mr. Oluwasanmi faces re-arrest if he fails to appear in court for trial.
The case adds to a growing list of Nigerian fraudsters convicted and imprisoned in the United States. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s associate, Bidemi Rufai, faced a similar fate and was released from Fort Dix Correctional Facility in December after serving a fraud-related sentence.
In December 2024, Peoples Gazette reported that suspected serial fraudster Omobolanle Bombata, also known as “Bobo Chicago,” was fighting to avoid prison after allegedly hacking into corporate emails to steal millions of dollars. His alleged accomplice, Wale Ogundana, had his African Shrine nightclub license revoked over similar fraud allegations.
Notorious internet fraudsters Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abbas and Woodberry also remain incarcerated at Fort Dix for cybercrime-related offences.
