By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered $104,950 for a United States-based Nigerian businesswoman, Adeshola Oshilaja, following a dispute over a deal to procure 10 dump trucks from China.
The commission completed the recovery on Friday by handing Oshilaja the final $56,000 at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 in Ikoyi, after an earlier payment of $48,950 by her business associate, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi.
According to the EFCC, the recovery followed a petition alleging that Akinsanmi, a family friend and business associate of Oshilaja, failed to account for funds provided for the transaction.
The commission said 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 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 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.
Expressing gratitude after receiving the money, Oshilaja praised the commission for its efforts in recovering the funds.
“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.
The recovery brings the total amount returned to Oshilaja in connection with the disputed transaction to $104,950.
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