“Jesam Is Innocent!” Huge Rally Rocks Abuja Over Afriq Arbitrage Allegations

A tide of fury surged through the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, as hundreds of disillusioned investors of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) staged a heated protest. Their rallying cry? Justice for the embattled AAS CEO, Jesam Michael, and immediate prosecution of his former associate, Abayomi Oluwasesan, who they accuse of masterminding an $87 million embezzlement scheme.

Placards, Protests, and Pleas for Justice

With placards raised and chants of “Abayomi is the thief!” and “Where is our $87 million?” echoing through the courthouse grounds, the crowd turned a routine court day into a lightning rod of public pressure. Protesters demanded the release of Jesam Michael currently held in Kuje Correctional Centre and the arrest of the man they claim orchestrated the financial collapse of AAS.

The protest wasn’t just a spontaneous uproar it had roots. Anger erupted online last week after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced Jesam’s arraignment. But in a twist the agency may not have expected, over 1,000 out of 1,033 Instagram comments under the EFCC’s post strongly defended Jesam, shifting public sentiment in his favor.

The Accusation: Betrayal Behind the Blockchain

At the heart of the investor outcry is a narrative of betrayal. According to several protest leaders, Jesam had handed over operational reins to Abayomi during a medical leave. Rather than maintain the business, they say, Abayomi used the opportunity to lock Jesam out of the platform, siphon funds into private accounts, and vanish living lavishly off the alleged spoils.

“He was given the keys to keep the business running,” said investor Albert Churchill. “Instead, he transferred millions, bought cars and homes, and disappeared. Jesam trusted him and he stabbed that trust in the back.”

Where Did the Money Go?

While some assets have reportedly been recovered under a plea bargain with Abayomi, investors insist the majority of the stolen funds remain unaccounted for—locked in cryptocurrency wallets that only Abayomi allegedly controls.

“This is not a bail campaign,” stressed another investor, Mr. Chibuzor. “It’s a recovery campaign. Abayomi admitted it so why is he free while Jesam, who created opportunity for thousands, is behind bars?”

Calls for a System Reset

As tensions flare and attention mounts, protest coordinator Tina Adebayo emphasized that this case transcends individual accountability. It’s about the credibility of Nigeria’s legal system and its willingness to protect innovation.

“Jesam Michael built a platform using blockchain to empower everyday people. Abayomi wrecked it. Now, the system must decide: protect innovators or protect criminals?”

Next Steps: A Crossroads for the Courts

With the case now in the public spotlight, pressure is mounting on the judiciary, EFCC, and law enforcement to act decisively. Will Abayomi Oluwasesan face the same scrutiny as Jesam Michael? Will investor funds be traced and returned?

For the thousands of Nigerians who put their trust and savings into Afriq Arbitrage System, this fight isn’t just about money. It’s about integrity, accountability, and whether justice in Nigeria is truly blind or simply selective.