The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered $104,950 for a United States-based businesswoman, Mrs Adeshola Oshilaja, following a dispute over funds provided for the procurement of 10 dump trucks from China.
The Commission completed the recovery after handing Oshilaja the final $56,000 at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 in Ikoyi on Friday. The payment followed an earlier refund of $48,950 by her business associate and family friend, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi.
The case began after Oshilaja petitioned the EFCC, alleging that Akinsanmi had failed to account for money provided for the truck procurement transaction.
According to the Commission, Oshilaja transferred the funds to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on Akinsanmi’s instructions.
Agreement Signed for Procurement of 10 Dump Trucks
The EFCC’s investigation established that Oshilaja and Akinsanmi signed a written agreement on July 25, 2023.
Under the agreement, Akinsanmi acknowledged receiving $104,950 for the procurement of the 10 dump trucks and undertook to refund the money by December 31, 2023.
However, six trucks were subsequently delivered to Akinsanmi in Nigeria.
Oshilaja alleged that Akinsanmi retained the vehicles and used them for business purposes without remitting the proceeds to her, leading to the dispute that prompted her petition to the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC subsequently intervened in the matter, resulting in the recovery of the full $104,950.
EFCC Reaffirms Commitment to Restitution
Speaking through the Commission’s 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.
Adeniyi also assured that the Commission would continue investigating alleged financial crimes and pursuing restitution for victims.
The recovery brings the financial dispute to a significant milestone, with Oshilaja receiving the outstanding balance after the earlier payment.
Businesswoman Thanks EFCC for Recovering Her Money
Oshilaja expressed gratitude to the EFCC after receiving the final payment, praising the Commission for its efforts in recovering the money.
“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 case highlights the EFCC’s role in handling petitions involving alleged financial misconduct and facilitating the return of funds to individuals who seek its intervention.
Source: EFCC
