EFCC Recovers $104,950 for US-Based Businesswoman in Disputed China Truck Deal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered $104,950 for a United States-based businesswoman, Mrs Adeshola Oshilaja, following a dispute over a deal to procure 10 dump trucks from China.

The commission completed the recovery on Thursday by handing Oshilaja the final $56,000 at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 in Ikoyi, following an earlier repayment of $48,950 by her business associate and family friend, Babatunde Samuel Akinsanmi.

The recovery followed a petition alleging that Akinsanmi failed to account for funds provided for the truck procurement transaction.

According to the EFCC, Oshilaja transferred the funds to two Chinese companies, Jinan Goneng Power Technology Company and China Howo Heavy Truck Industry Limited, on Akinsanmi’s instructions.

Investigations by the commission revealed that both parties signed a written agreement on July 25, 2023, in which Akinsanmi acknowledged receiving $104,950 for the procurement of the trucks and agreed 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 purposes without remitting the proceeds to her.

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Speaking through the Head of Public Affairs, DCE Ayo Oyewole, the Acting Zonal Director, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, said the recovery underscored the commission’s commitment to returning recovered funds and assets to their rightful owners in accordance with due process.

Adeniyi added that the EFCC would continue to investigate alleged financial crimes and pursue restitution for victims.

Expressing her gratitude after receiving the final payment, Oshilaja commended 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.