The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over $56,000 recovered in a suspected
procurement fraud case to an American-based businesswoman, Adeshola Oshilaja.
In a statement on Saturday, the commission said the handover took place at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing the total amount recovered for her to $104,950.
“The latest recovery represents the outstanding balance of the funds, following the earlier payment of $48,950 directly to Oshilaja by the defendant, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi,” the EFCC stated.
The commission noted that the recovery and handover followed an investigation into a petition filed by Ms Oshilaja over the alleged failure of her business associate and family friend, Akinsanmi, to account for funds provided for the procurement of 10 dump trucks from China.
According to the petition, Ms Oshilaja transferred $104,950 to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on the instructions of Mr Akinsanmi.
The EFCC explained that its investigation showed that the parties entered into a written agreement on July 25, 2023, under which Mr Akinsanmi acknowledged receiving $104,950 for the procurement of the trucks and undertook to refund the amount on or before December 31, 2023.
“However, six of the trucks were subsequently delivered to Akinsanmi in Nigeria. Oshilaja alleged that he retained and used the trucks for business purposes without remitting the proceeds to her,” it explained.
The commission stated that it recovered the full sum of $104,950 in the course of the investigation, noting that $48,950 of the amount was paid initially to Ms Oshilaja, while the remaining $56,000, recovered in cash, was handed over to her at its Lagos zonal office.
The Acting Zonal Director of the Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Adebayo Adeniyi, represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Ayo Oyewole, said the recovery underscored the commission’s commitment to ensuring that recovered funds and assets were returned to their rightful owners in accordance with due process.
He added that the commission would continue to pursue investigations into alleged financial crimes while ensuring appropriate restitution for victims.
Ms Oshilaja commended the commission for its efforts and professionalism in handling the case.
“I am so happy and grateful for all the effort the EFCC has put towards the recovery of this money. I am a testament to what the EFCC is doing in Nigeria, and I can always rely on the fact that you are really working hard. May God bless you all,” she noted.