The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a U.S.-based Nigerian pastor, Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi, for his alleged involvement in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Authorities say Oluwasanmi conspired with a traditional ruler in Osun State, Nigeria, Oba Joseph Oloyede, to defraud the U.S. government by submitting forged documents to obtain pandemic relief funds meant for struggling businesses.
Oluwasanmi, who owns three companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—allegedly used them to secure millions of dollars in fraudulent loans. Instead of using the funds for business relief, he is accused of diverting the money for personal expenses, violating U.S. federal laws.
Fraudulent Transactions and Arrest
Court records show that in September 2020, Oluwasanmi transferred about $221,880 to purchase a commercial property on South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio. A year later, on October 26, 2021, he wired $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds to a brokerage account under his company, Dayspring Transportation.
The FBI arrested Oluwasanmi in April in Cleveland and charged him with a 13-count indictment for fraud. After his arrest, he was released on a $20,000 bail under strict conditions, including a requirement to appear for trial. His U.S. and Nigerian passports were confiscated to prevent him from fleeing the country.
Authorities warned that if he failed to show up for court proceedings, he would be re-arrested.
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FBI Seizes Fraud Proceeds
As part of the ongoing investigation, U.S. prosecutors have already seized approximately $620,000 from Oluwasanmi. The FBI confiscated $599,250 from his Dayspring Transportation account at Fidelity Investments and nearly $20,000 from his Dayspring Property account at Key Bank. Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit these funds and any other properties acquired through fraudulent means.
A Growing List of Nigerian Fraudsters in the U.S.
The case involving Oluwasanmi and Oba Oloyede adds to the growing list of Nigerians convicted of fraud in the U.S. In a similar case, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s associate, Bidemi Rufai, was sentenced to prison for fraud and was released in December 2024 after serving time at Fort Dix Correctional Facility.
Additionally, another Nigerian, Omobolanle Bombata, also known as “Bobo Chicago,” has been battling fraud charges for allegedly hacking into corporate emails to steal millions of dollars. His associate, Wale Ogundana, had his African Shrine nightclub license revoked over similar fraud allegations.
With the FBI cracking down on COVID-19 relief fraud, authorities say Oluwasanmi could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.