The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, 9 October, 2026, handed over $56,000 recovered in a suspected procurement fraud case to an American-based businesswoman, Mrs Adeshola Oshilaja.
The handover was performed at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing the total amount recovered for her to $104,950.
The latest recovery represents the outstanding balance of the funds, following the earlier payment of $48,950 directly to Oshilaja by the defendant, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi.
The recovery and handover followed an investigation into a petition filed by Oshilaja over the alleged failure of her business associate and family friend, Akinsanmi, to account for funds provided for the procurement of 10 dump trucks from China.
According to the petition, Oshilaja transferred $104,950 to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on the instructions of Akinsanmi.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the parties entered into 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 amount on or before December 31, 2023.
However, six of the trucks were subsequently delivered to Akinsanmi in Nigeria. Oshilaja alleged that he retained and used the trucks for business purposes without remitting the proceeds to her.
In the course of its investigation, the Commission recovered the full sum of $104,950. Of this amount, $48,950 was paid initially to Oshilaja, while the remaining $56,000, recovered in cash, was handed over to her at the Commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of the Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Ayo Oyewole, said the recovery underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that recovered funds and assets were returned to their rightful owners in accordance with due process.
He added that the EFCC would continue to pursue investigations into alleged financial crimes while ensuring appropriate restitution for victims.
Expressing her gratitude after receiving the funds, Oshilaja commended the Commission for its efforts and professionalism in handling the case.
“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.
