…Makinde’s Aide, Adeseye Famojuro, Fingered as Alleged Mastermind in Cross-Border Fraud Scanda
A fierce legal battle is brewing over the controversial “wanted” declaration of U.S.-based Nigerian, Mr. Oluwasegun Rolland Elusoji, as his lawyers accuse the Nigerian Police of acting under the influence of powerful political figures.
At the center of the storm is Mr. Adeseye Joseph Famojuro, a political aide to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whom Elusoji accuses of orchestrating a sprawling web of fraud, identity theft, and money laundering across Nigeria, the United States, and beyond.
The Controversial “Wanted” Notice On July 14 and 22, 2025, the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Lagos, published notices in The Punch and The Nation declaring Elusoji wanted for alleged fraud.
Elusoji’s legal team, W.K. Shittu (SAN) & Co., swiftly condemned the publication as “premature, injurious, and contrary to due process.”In a statement signed by lead counsel Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), the firm argued:Elusoji is already subject to proceedings in the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas (Cause No. 24-06-09779), meaning the issues are sub judice in the U.S.A separate suit — Suit No: ID/1593/MFR/2025 before the Lagos High Court — challenges the police declaration in Nigeria.Declaring Elusoji “wanted” despite ongoing litigation in two jurisdictions constitutes harassment and reputational harm.
On August 29, 2025, the lawyers placed a strongly-worded advertorial in The Nation, demanding immediate retraction. Petition to EFCC: Famojuro and Associates Named Beyond the procedural dispute, Elusoji has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing Famojuro of being the true architect of the fraud.In petitions dated April 22 and June 17, 2025, addressed to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Elusoji alleged that Famojuro and a network of allies exploited his personal data for illicit financial schemes.
Those named include:Ayodele Sunday Adekanmbi – DG, Oyo State Agency for People with Disabilities. Funmilayo Tosin Oyawale – Property manager linked to diverted funds.Bimbo Arike Dairo – CEO, Pokameil Properties, accused of laundering via real estate.Omotoke Adetola Ogunniyi – Cryptocurrency operator, Lizabeth Move Ltd.Oluwaseun Olufade – Chairman, Ibadan North LGA, alleged facilitator of UK property deals. Ayo Alatise, Ayobami Adebayo, and Olugbenga Joseph Damola Adebayo (alias Frayo) – alleged operatives of illicit projects.
According to Elusoji, this network laundered funds, acquired properties in Nigeria, the U.K., and South Africa, and registered assets under proxies — including a ₦750 million Mercedes G-Wagon 63 with Abuja custom plates “JAF.”The Personal BetrayalIn a sworn affidavit, Elusoji recounted how his trust in Famojuro was exploited:“I supported his wife and child during a difficult time in the U.S. He gained access to my passport, NIN, and Social Security Number under the pretense of helping me secure a United Nations opportunity. I later discovered this was a ploy to hijack my identity for fraudulent purposes.”He insists he has never engaged in criminal activity, alleging instead that he was framed after refusing to aid further illicit financial dealings.The Legal Counteroffensive in Lagos.
To reclaim his reputation, Elusoji has filed a fundamental human rights suit at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja Division, seeking: A declaration that the “wanted” notice was unlawful and that both parties should resort to court proceedings.Restraining orders against further intimidation. A public apology from the Nigerian Police and Adeseye Famojuro His counsel, Dr. Shittu, decried the police’s role as “a debt recovery tool for vested interests”, warning that the case goes beyond one man and speaks to the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
The Question of Famojuro’s Absence in US and Nigerian courtsA lingering question remains: Why has Adeseye Famojuro not appeared in the Montgomery County District Court, Texas, despite being named in the proceedings and refusal to honour the High Court Summon in Nigeria?Elusoji’s lawyers contend that Famojuro has instead leaned on Nigerian police to criminalize their client, while avoiding accountability in the courts.Broader Implications.
The case underscores: The vulnerability of Nigerians abroad to identity theft and transnational fraud. The dangers of political interference in law enforcement. The urgent need for Nigeria-U.S. cooperation in tackling cross-border financial crimes.
For now, Elusoji vows to clear his name: “I will restore my dignity and expose those who weaponized my identity.” His petitions have set the stage for a legal showdown that could test the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions.
