
The FBI has arrested Nigerian pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi for allegedly conspiring with Osun monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to defra·d the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
Like the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oluwasanmi reportedly submitted forg+d documents to obtain pandemic relief loans meant for struggling businesses.
He allegedly funneled millions through his companies-Dayspring Property Inc., Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation-before diverting the funds for personal expenses.
U.S. authorities indicted him on 13 counts of fraud, leading to his arrest in Cleveland in April 2024. He was later released on $20,000 bail under strict conditions, including the surrender of both his U.S. and Nigerian passports.
Investigators uncovered suspicious financial transactions, including a $221,880 wire transfer for a commercial property in South Euclid, Ohio, and a $1 million transfer to his company’s brokerage account in October 2021.
The FBI has seized $620,000 from his accounts, with prosecutors pushing for forfeiture of all fraud proceeds.