The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered $104,950 for a US-based businesswoman, Mrs Adeshola Oshilaja, following a dispute over funds provided for the procurement of 10 dump trucks from China.
The Commission disclosed that the recovery was completed on Friday after Oshilaja received the final $56,000 at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi. Her business associate and family friend, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi, had earlier refunded $48,950.
According to the EFCC, Oshilaja transferred the funds to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on Akinsanmi’s instructions. The transaction was backed by a written agreement signed on July 25, 2023, in which Akinsanmi acknowledged receiving $104,950 and undertook to refund the money by December 31, 2023.
The Commission’s investigation revealed that six trucks were subsequently delivered to Akinsanmi in Nigeria. Oshilaja alleged that he retained the vehicles for business use 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 reflected the EFCC’s commitment to returning recovered funds and assets to their rightful owners in accordance with due process. He added that the Commission would continue to investigate financial crimes and pursue restitution for victims.
Expressing gratitude after receiving the money, Oshilaja said the EFCC’s efforts had restored her confidence in the Commission’s work.
“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.
