In our Innovation spotlight series, Myjoyonline sat down with Ademilola Olowofela Adeleye, a Nigerian cybersecurity leader with over fifteen years of experience in IT risk management, compliance, and financial technology security.

Adeleye has recently filed a patent proposal for a Mobile Application for Security Enhancement and Fleet Management in Financial Institutions, now under review with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Nigeria.

He joined us for a candid Q&A session to discuss the journey, the technology, and the future he envisions for Africa’s financial security landscape.

Myjoyonline: Welcome, Mr Adeleye, and congratulations on this exciting step. What motivated you to pursue this patent proposal?

Adeleye: Thank you. The motivation really came from what I was seeing on the ground. Financial institutions across Africa are facing two converging risks: cyber-enabled fraud and physical insecurity. I wanted to design something that addresses both together. This patent proposal is my way of saying: let’s stop separating these threats and build one integrated system that protects both people and assets.

Myjoyonline: That sounds ambitious. Can you break down what this system actually does?

Adeleye: Absolutely. Think of it as a real-time security hub in your pocket. The application uses multi-factor authentication to secure access, GPS and geofencing to monitor bank fleets, and a one-touch SOS feature that alerts central command if there’s an emergency. It doesn’t stop there—it also allows staff to upload media evidence, file reports offline, and it generates analytics that help institutions assess risks before they escalate.

Myjoyonline: Interesting. How is this different from what’s currently available in the market?

Adeleye: What’s out there now usually tackles either digital fraud or physical security—but rarely both at once. This proposal is unique because it merges cybersecurity rigour with physical protection. For example, if a cash-in-transit van leaves a safe zone, the system triggers alerts for both the security team and the IT compliance desk. That dual action is what sets it apart.

Myjoyonline: Collaboration is often key in innovation. Who worked with you on this?

Adeleye: You’re right—collaboration is key. I’m grateful to have Adeloye Temitope Jamestone and Arowolo Isaiah Olusakin as co-inventors on this patent. Together, we refined the concept, but my role was heavily focused on ensuring the system aligns with international security standards and compliance frameworks like ISO 27001 and PCI DSS. That way, the solution isn’t just innovative—it’s audit-ready and globally scalable.

Myjoyonline: Let’s talk impact. If this patent is approved, what changes do you foresee for financial institutions?

Adeleye: It could be a game-changer. Institutions would have a single, reliable tool that secures their fleets, staff, and transaction data. That means fewer losses, more confidence for employees on the field, and stronger public trust in the financial system. Beyond Nigeria, I believe it has potential across Africa, especially in regions where mobile banking and cash-in-transit operations face daily risks.

Myjoyonline: On a personal level, what does this milestone mean for you?

Adeleye: For me, this is more than a patent—it’s a mission. I’ve always believed that Africa can produce world-class security solutions. Filing this patent is my way of proving that. I also see it as inspiration for young innovators in STEM to dream big, tackle real problems, and design solutions that matter.

As the patent proposal undergoes review, stakeholders across the financial and security sectors are watching closely. For Adeleye, the hope is clear: to create a safer, more resilient future for Africa’s financial systems.