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JUST IN: U.S.-Based Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi Arrested By FBI Over Alleged COVID-19 Fraud

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The FBI has arrested Nigerian Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi for conspiring with Osun monarch Oba Joseph Oloyede to defraud the U.S. government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

Similar to the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Mr Oluwasanmi submitted forged documents to apply for COVID-19 loans intended to alleviate the financial strain on struggling businesses during the pandemic.

Using his three companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings, and Dayspring Transportation—Mr Oluwasanmi obtained millions of dollars, which he subsequently diverted for his personal expenses, violating U.S. federal laws.

The U.S.-based Nigerian pastor was indicted on a 13-count fraud charge and arrested in Cleveland in April. He was later released on a $20,000 bail, under the condition that he appears in court for trial and serves any sentence if convicted.

In September 2020, Mr Oluwasanmi transferred approximately $221,880 to purchase a commercial property on South Freen Road in South Euclid, Ohio.

On October 26, 2021, he wired $1 million of COVID-19 funds to the brokerage account of Dayspring Transportation.

Prosecutors have already seized around $620,000 from the Nigerian pastor and are seeking to forfeit the confiscated amount along with other properties acquired through fraudulent means.

On April 5, 2024, the FBI seized $599,250 from Mr Oluwasanmi’s Dayspring Transportation account with Fidelity Investments, ending in –5800. They also seized nearly $20,000 from his Dayspring Property account ending in —3548 at Key Bank on the same day.

Both Mr Oluwasanmi’s U.S. and Nigerian passports have been confiscated to ensure his attendance at trial.

His name appears as Edward Olanrewaju Abiodun Oluwasanmi on his U.S. passport, with the number 58*****76, while his Nigerian passport bears the number A10****31.

According to his bail terms, he would be re-arrested should he fail to appear in court for his trial.

The fraud cases involving Mr Oluwasanmi and the Osun monarch add to the long list of Nigerian fraudsters who have been convicted and are currently serving time in U.S. prisons.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s associate Bidemi Rufai faced a matching fate, having been released from Fort Dix correctional facility in December, where he served his sentence for fraud.

 

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK IN PLATEAU, CHARGES GOVERNOR MUTFWANG WITH RESOLVING UNDERLYING COMMUNAL ISSUES

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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS LATEST ATTACK IN PLATEAU, CHARGES GOVERNOR MUTFWANG WITH RESOLVING UNDERLYING COMMUNAL ISSUES

President Bola Tinubu expresses profound sorrow over the recent bloodshed in Plateau State, a tragedy that has claimed the lives of over 40 individuals.

He strongly condemns the violence and extends his sympathies to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the people of Plateau while urging him to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis and establish enduring peace.

In his call for harmony among the people of Plateau State, President Tinubu emphasises the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. He encourages community, spiritual, and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that have made life unbearable for affected communities.

“The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease,” President Tinubu asserts.

“I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts. We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.

“Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem. These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues. It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.

“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau”.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

April 14, 2025

 

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War: Ukraine loses 235 soldiers in 24 hours

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No fewer than 235 soldiers have been lost in the past day by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction.

The Russian Defence Ministry made the claim Monday in a statement made available to newsmen.

According to NAN, Ukraine has so far, lost 74,245 service people and 406 tanks during the offensive in the Kursk direction, the ministry also said.

The ministry also stated that in the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 235 service people, an armored personnel carrier; three combat armored vehicles, 14 cars, and four field artillery weapons.

Others include four mortars and a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system.

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that two Russian missiles on Sunday struck the heart of the city of Sumy in Ukraine, killing at least 31 persons including children.

France President, Emmanuel Macron, while reacting to the sad incident, condemned the development, stating that France is working towards imposing a ceasefire on Russia.

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Bandits abduct resident in hours after cleric’s kidnapping in Katsina

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Suspected bandits on Sunday night invaded the Tamarke community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, kidnapping one resident, barely a day after the abduction of a prominent Islamic cleric in a separate attack in Ƙankara LGA.

This development was contained in a post by Katsina-based security analyst Bakatsine on Monday.

According to the analyst, the attackers stormed the Tamarke community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically before whisking away a local resident to an unknown destination.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded the Tamarke community in Bakori LGA, Katsina State and abducted one person. Just less than 24hrs after the abduction of Sheikh Mustapha Aliyu Unguwar Mai-Kawo in Ƙankara LGA,” Bakatsine wrote.

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