- MOCKINBIRD.COM.NG - A La Une - 23/Jun 11:44

WhereIsTheMoney: Investors Say Jesam Michael Was Set Up

A storm of outrage swept through the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday as hundreds of aggrieved investors 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 company.The protest, which quickly gained viral traction online due to footage showing placard-waving demonstrators chanting slogans like “Abayomi Is the Thief!” and “Where Is Our $87 Million?”, was a passionate call for justice and the immediate release of the embattled AAS founder and CEO, Mr. Jesam Michael, who is currently remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.The Heart of the OutrageThe investors allege that the man truly responsible for the financial crisis at AAS is not Jesam Michael—but rather his former associate, Abayomi Oluwasesan. According to multiple protest leaders, Jesam entrusted Abayomi with operational control during a period of medical recovery, only for Abayomi to betray that trust.“He was given the keys to keep the business running,” said investor Albert Churchill, visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd. “Instead, he used that access to lock Jesam out of the system, transferred millions into personal accounts, and went on a spending spree—buying cars, houses, and vanishing from Lagos.”Where Is the Money?Investor Mr. Chibuzor added that while Abayomi has reportedly returned a few assets under a plea deal, the bulk of the money—still locked in crypto wallets under his control—remains missing.“This is not just about bail for Jesam,” Chibuzor emphasized. “This is about recovering what was stolen. We are not shouting in ignorance. The facts are out there—Abayomi even admitted to taking the money! Why is he free while our CEO, who tried to help people through blockchain innovation, is in detention?”Public Sentiment TurnsThe protest gained momentum following a June 13 post by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announcing Jesam’s arraignment. However, the EFCC post triggered an unexpected twist: over 1,000 of the 1,033 public comments on Instagram stood in defense of Jesam Michael. The overwhelming consensus online was clear—many Nigerians believe he’s being wrongly punished while the actual perpetrator remains untouched.Justice or Injustice?The scene at the courthouse painted a picture of deep frustration, but also a united call for action. Protesters vowed to continue lawful demonstrations until the alleged thief is held accountable and investors’ funds are returned.“This isn’t just about one man,” said protest coordinator Tina Adebayo. “It’s about trust in our justice system and the protection of innovation in Nigeria. Jesam Michael built something powerful. Abayomi destroyed it. Now, the system must correct this wrong.”What’s Next?With court proceedings underway and public interest surging, all eyes are now on the Nigerian judiciary, the EFCC, and law enforcement agencies. Will they heed the protesters’ call and go after Abayomi Oluwasesan with the same energy used against Jesam Michael?For the thousands of Afriq Arbitrage investors demanding answers, one thing is clear: the fight is far from over.📹 Watch the protest video: https://youtu.be/3broxfr27Bk?si=-aGlfuLtWEpMPXKS