The American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi for conspiring with Osun state monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to defraud the U.S. government of $4.2 million COVID-19 relief funds.
Like the Apetu of Ipetumodu near Ile-Ife, Pastor Oluwasanmi also submitted forged documents to apply for the COVID-19 loans meant to lessen the financial burden of struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Mr Oluwasanmi used his three companies Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings and Dayspring Transportation to obtain millions of dollars which he later diverted for his own personal expenses, in breach of U.S. federal laws.
The U.S.-based Nigerian pastor was indicted for fraud on a 13-count charge and arrested in Cleveland in April. The suspected clergy conman was later released on a $20,000 bail on the condition that he appears in court for trial and serve out his sentences if handed prison time.
In September 2020, Mr Oluwasanmi did a wire transfer of about $221,880 to pay for a commercial property on Soyth Freen Road, South Euclid in Ohio.
On October 26, 2021, he wired $1 million COVID-19 funds to Dayspring Transportation (his company) brokerage account.