The Apetu of Ipetumodu, Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, and Nigerian pastor Edward Oluwasanmi have pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud charges in the United States.
The duo now face possible prison sentences after admitting to their roles in a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in pandemic relief funds fraudulently.
Oba Oloyede, a US-based accountant and information system expert, was crowned the new Apetu in July 2019. He and Oluwasanmi were arrested in early 2024.
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They were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. Their case came before Justice Christopher Boyko at the US District Court of Ohio.
Court documents revealed that between April 2020 and February 2022, the two men submitted falsified applications for Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These funds were intended to support small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using fake tax and wage records, they secured approximately $3.76 million in government funds.
Oba Oloyede reportedly operated through companies such as Available Tax Services Incorporated, Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company.
Pastor Oluwasanmi, on his part, used Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Incorporated, and Dayspring Property Incorporated to fraudulently obtain funds, which he later diverted for personal expenses.
The monarch’s absence from Ipetumodu had raised concerns among residents, especially after he missed key traditional festivals. It later emerged that he was facing criminal charges in the US.
On April 10, Oluwasanmi, represented by lawyer Henry Hilow, pleaded guilty to counts one, 11, and 12 of the indictment. Sentencing has been set for July 2, 2025.
Oba Oloyede entered his guilty plea on April 21, with his plea hearing scheduled for April 24.
Community leaders have expressed disappointment, particularly as the monarch had demolished the town’s palace with promises of rebuilding. Many residents are now calling on the Osun State Government to investigate and take action.
