A storm of concern swept by the FCT Excessive Court docket in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday as a whole lot of aggrieved traders of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) flooded the courthouse, demanding the prosecution of Abayomi Oluwasesan, whom they accuse of embezzling a staggering $87 million from the corporate.
The protest, which rapidly gained viral traction on-line as a result of footage exhibiting placard-waving demonstrators chanting slogans like “Abayomi Is the Thief!” and “The place Is Our $87 Million?”, was a passionate name for justice and the quick launch of the embattled AAS founder and CEO, Mr. Jesam Michael, who’s at present remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The Coronary heart of the Outrage
The traders allege that the person actually liable for the {financial} disaster at AAS will not be Jesam Michael—however quite his former affiliate, Abayomi Oluwasesan. In keeping with a number of protest leaders, Jesam entrusted Abayomi with operational management throughout a interval of medical restoration, just for Abayomi to betray that belief.
“He was given the keys to maintain the enterprise working,” mentioned investor Albert Churchill, visibly emotional as he addressed the gang. “As a substitute, he used that entry to lock Jesam out of the system, transferred hundreds of thousands into private accounts, and went on a spending spree—shopping for vehicles, homes, and vanishing from Lagos.”
The place Is the Cash?
Investor Mr. Chibuzor added that whereas Abayomi has reportedly returned just a few belongings beneath a plea deal, the majority of the cash—nonetheless locked in crypto wallets beneath his management—stays lacking.
“This isn’t nearly bail for Jesam,” Chibuzor emphasised. “That is about recovering what was stolen. We’re not shouting in ignorance. The info are on the market—Abayomi even admitted to taking the cash! Why is he free whereas our CEO, who tried to assist folks by blockchain innovation, is in detention?”
Public Sentiment Turns
The protest gained momentum following a June 13 submit by the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) asserting Jesam’s arraignment. Nonetheless, the EFCC submit triggered an surprising twist: over 1,000 of the 1,033 public feedback on Instagram stood in protection of Jesam Michael. The overwhelming consensus on-line was clear—many Nigerians consider he’s being wrongly punished whereas the precise perpetrator stays untouched.
Justice or Injustice?
The scene on the courthouse painted an image of deep frustration, but additionally a united name for motion. Protesters vowed to proceed lawful demonstrations till the alleged thief is held accountable and traders’ funds are returned.
“This isn’t nearly one man,” mentioned protest coordinator Tina Adebayo. “It’s about belief in our justice system and the safety of innovation in Nigeria. Jesam Michael constructed one thing highly effective. Abayomi destroyed it. Now, the system should right this fallacious.”
What’s Subsequent?
With courtroom proceedings underway and public curiosity surging, all eyes are actually on the Nigerian judiciary, the EFCC, and legislation enforcement businesses. Will they heed the protesters’ name and go after Abayomi Oluwasesan with the identical power used towards Jesam Michael?
For the hundreds of Afriq Arbitrage traders demanding solutions, one factor is evident: the combat is much from over.
Watch the protest video:
