EFCC recovers $105,000 for US-based businesswoman

By Luminous Jannamike

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered $104,950 for a US-based businesswoman, Mrs Adeshola Oshilaja, over a disputed deal to procure 10 dump trucks from China.

The recovery followed a petition alleging that her business associate and family friend, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi, failed to account for funds provided for the transaction. The EFCC handed Oshilaja the final $56,000 yesterday at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, completing the recovery after an earlier payment of $48,950 by Akinsanmi.

According to the Commission, Oshilaja transferred the money to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on Akinsanmi’s instructions.

The EFCC’s investigation found that both parties signed a written agreement on July 25, 2023, under which Akinsanmi acknowledged receiving $104,950 for the procurement of the trucks and undertook to refund the money by December 31, 2023.

However, six trucks were subsequently delivered to Akinsanmi in Nigeria. Oshilaja alleged that he retained and used the vehicles for business without remitting the proceeds to her.

Speaking through the Head of Public Affairs, DCE Ayo Oyewole, the Acting Zonal Director, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, said the recovery demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to returning recovered funds and assets to their rightful owners in line with due process.

He added that the EFCC would continue to investigate alleged financial crimes and pursue restitution for victims.

Oshilaja, who expressed gratitude to the Commission after receiving the money, said:

“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 said.