In a shocking turn of events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nigerian pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi over allegations of fraud amounting to $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
According to a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Nigerian Stories reported that Pastor Oluwasanmi allegedly conspired with a prominent traditional ruler, Oba Joseph Oloyede of Osun State, to orchestrate the massive fraud scheme targeting the U.S. government.
Sources familiar with the case revealed that the duo allegedly manipulated relief fund applications meant to support struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic. Investigators suspect that the illicitly obtained funds were funneled through multiple accounts and laundered across different jurisdictions.
The arrest of Pastor Oluwasanmi, a widely known cleric with a significant following, has sent shockwaves through both the religious and traditional leadership circles in Nigeria. The involvement of Oba Oloyede, a respected monarch, further deepens the controversy, raising questions about the extent of the fraud network and potential accomplices.
U.S. authorities have vowed to prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law, as part of a broader crackdown on pandemic-related financial crimes. Meanwhile, Nigerians await further developments, with many expressing outrage over the alleged abuse of trust by figures of high societal standing.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
PIONEER NEWS 