Nigerian Businessman Oluwasegun Elusoji Denies Fraud Allegations, Insists He Is Not a Fugitive

Lagos, Nigeria — The legal representatives of a U.S.-based Nigerian Information Security Engineer, Mr. Oluwasegun Rolland Elusoji, have issued a strong rebuttal to recent police publications declaring him wanted over allegations of fraud amounting to over ₦1.2 billion.

In official rejoinders published in The Punch and The Nation newspapers on Friday, August 29, 2025, his lawyers, W.K. Shittu (SAN) & Co., described the police notice as “false, misleading, injurious to reputation, and issued in disregard of ongoing legal proceedings both in Nigeria and the United States.”

According to court documents attached by his lawyers, the case is already before the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, in Case No. 24-06-0979, where the same allegations of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses are currently being litigated.

His legal team emphasized that this fact was deliberately ignored in the Nigerian police bulletin, which portrayed him as a fugitive on the run. “Our client is not evading justice; rather, he is actively defending himself before competent courts in the United States of America and has also initiated proceedings in Nigeria to clear his name,” the statement reads.

His lawyers confirmed that petitions dated March 28, 2025, and April 22, 2025, had been filed against the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, and others involved, before the Lagos High Court of Lagos in Suit No: ID/1953/MFR/2025.

Similarly, petitions were sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), EFCC/PET/HQR/1656/202,5, against those allegedly orchestrating the campaign to brand him a criminal, with acknowledgment copies attached as proof.

In a sworn affidavit filed in the State of Illinois, U.S.A., Mr. Elusoji declared:

• He resides at 9997 S Whimbrel Cir, Conroe, Texas, and is not in hiding.
• He is a law-abiding citizen, employed as an Information Security Engineer in the U.S.
• He is fully cooperating with investigations in both countries.
• He has engaged the services of W.K. Shittu SAN to pursue justice in Nigerian courts.

The affidavit further states: “I am not on the run from justice. The publication declaring me wanted is injurious to my reputation and ought to be withdrawn.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Wahab Shittu SAN, who leads the defense team, argued that the police’s publication amounts to a media trial and undermines the principles of due process. He urged the authorities to withdraw the notice pending the conclusion of ongoing court proceedings.

“The rule of law requires that justice must take its full course in both Nigeria and the United States. Our client is entitled to equal access to justice without discrimination or defamation,” Shittu added.

Mr. Elusoji’s lawyers insist their client has committed no wrongdoing and remains committed to clearing his name through lawful means. They called on the Nigerian Police and media outlets to refrain from further publications that could prejudice ongoing judicial processes or tarnish his reputation.

“You Can’t Use Primate Ayodele To Score Points For Your Failed Political Ambitions” – Fulani Group Blasts Umar Ardo

A popular Fulani group, The Fulani Association for Great Leadership (FAGL), has slammed northern politician Umar Ardo over his recent attack on Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele.

The attack followed Ayodele’s prophetic advice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which he warned against appointing northern politicians to sensitive positions, stating that such appointments would not guarantee loyalty and could result in betrayal.

In a strongly worded statement signed by FAGL’s President, Abdullahi Raheem, the association condemned Ardo’s reaction, describing him as a “busybody” interfering in a message not directed at him.

“There is a popular adage that says, ‘O wiɗi ɗiɗi ɗum jogii, kono ɗum sewti; ngalan nden woni sewtaare’ — which describes a situation where someone tries to respond to a statement or question that wasn’t directed at him or her in the first place,” the statement reads.

According to Raheem, this proverb perfectly fits Umar Ardo, “a not-so-popular Adamawa local politician,” who unnecessarily responded to Primate Ayodele’s message to President Tinubu about appointing northern politicians to his cabinet as a strategy to secure their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Raheem emphasized that Primate Ayodele has consistently issued prophetic warnings to not only President Tinubu but also to other prominent politicians such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. However, it appears this particular message touched a nerve with Ardo — “probably because he has been eyeing an appointment from Tinubu too — who knows?”

In his controversial response, Ardo accused Primate Ayodele of bigotry, labeling the prophecy as “unchristian and hypocritical.” He was quoted as saying:

“Betrayals and failures in leadership have never been a portion of the Fulani people. We are a people of honour and excellence! What Ayodele is preaching is simply ethnic bigotry, fulbephobia, and fulbemisia disguised as prophecy… For a man of God to single out an ethnic group and brand them as inherently untrustworthy is shameful, hypocritical, and unchristian.”

Responding to these claims, the Fulani group came to the defense of Primate Ayodele, describing him as one of the most hospitable and religiously tolerant Christian leaders in Nigeria today.

“Can Ardo point to any pastor in Nigeria who is building or has built a mosque with his own funds? No one else but Primate Ayodele is doing that at the moment.

“Can Ardo name any man of God the Sultan of Sokoto can call his friend due to his consistent support for the Muslim community? Again, only Primate Ayodele.

“Can he name any Christian leader who provides food and cash support to Muslims — including Fulani communities — during Ramadan? The only one doing so is Primate Ayodele.”

The group went on to question how such a man — who invites Muslims to his annual Thanksgiving events and ensures some are sponsored to Mecca — can now be labeled an ethnic bigot simply for issuing a national warning.

Raheem stated that Ardo’s actions were motivated not by love for the North but by personal ambition and political irrelevance.

“Ardo’s stance doesn’t represent the North. He’s just trying to get media attention. As everyone knows, Primate Ayodele is the most popular prophet in Nigeria today, making him a fertile ground for anyone looking to trend.”

The group accused Ardo of using Ayodele’s name to position himself for a political appointment.

“If he truly wants an appointment from President Tinubu, he should go about it properly. At 64, with his highest position being Special Adviser to a Vice President from 1999 to 2006, it’s unlikely any government would consider him for a new role. This is why he’s desperate to stay relevant.”

FAGL also claimed that Ardo had tried and failed to become governor of Adamawa State multiple times. They advised him to learn from successful politicians about the value of listening to wise counsel like that of Primate Ayodele.

“He needs to ask those who have succeeded in politics whether this is how they behaved. He might then understand why Primate Ayodele remains a national figure in Nigerian politics and why ignoring his prophecies has cost some politicians dearly.”

In conclusion, the group insisted that Primate Ayodele will not dignify Umar Ardo with a response.

“But as northerners who follow the prophet regularly, we say it loud and clear: Umar Ardo is wrong and should be the one apologizing for being an ungrateful Fulani.”

Chief Olayemi Emida, Giwa, Egbe Bobagunwa Orimolusi, Ijebu-Igbo, and Akinfimojoye of Oruland, receiving birthday felicitations from The City Pulse Group in Lagos.

The City Pulse Group joins family, friends, and well-wishers across Ijebuland to celebrate the birthday of Chief Olayemi Emida, Giwa, Egbe Bobagunwa Orimolusi, Ijebu-Igbo, and Akinfimojoye of Oruland—a community pillar fondly described as a “Spacious” man with a generous heart and an even larger vision.

In a goodwill message signed by Ayo Mojoyin, on behalf of his family and The City Pulse Group, the celebrant was praised for his steady leadership, bridge-building spirit, and hands-on philanthropy.

“Happy Spacious Birthday to my Spacious friend who manages his Spacious space with uncommon grace and wisdom,” Mojoyin said. “Chief Olayemi Emida is a stabilizing figure—reliable in duty, expansive in friendship, and tireless in service to Ijebu-Igbo and the wider Ijebu nation.”

As Giwa, Egbe Bobagunwa Orimolusi, Chief Emida is celebrated for nurturing unity among age-grade members and strengthening historic bonds with the Orimolusi institution. As Akinfimojoye of Oruland, he has championed cultural heritage, youth mentorship, and community projects that uplift livelihoods and preserve tradition.

Hallmarks of a “Spacious” Life

Spacious in Vision: Advocates inclusive development, encouraging young professionals and artisans to take up leadership in community affairs.

Spacious in Service: Known for practical interventions—supporting educational drives, welfare outreaches, and civic initiatives across Ijebu-Igbo and beyond.

Spacious in Friendship: A unifier whose counsel is sought across age grades, royal courts, and civic associations.

Warm Wishes From The City Pulse Family

Extending the day’s felicitations, The City Pulse Group prayed for continued health, wisdom, and open doors for the celebrant:
“May your years be long, your strength renewed, and your ‘Spacious space’ continually enlarged to host even greater impact for our people.”

Happy Birthday, Chief! May this new chapter bring fresh victories, deeper joy, and lasting legacy.

Signed:
Ayo Mojoyin

Chief Olayemi Emida, Giwa, Egbe Bobagunwa Orimolusi, Ijebu-Igbo, and Akinfimojoye of Oruland, receiving birthday felicitations from The City Pulse Group in Lagos.