Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, and Edward Oluwasanmi, a Nigerian pastor, have admitted guilt to charges related to COVID-19 relief fraud in the United States.
The two individuals could potentially face imprisonment.
It was gathered that Oba Oloyede, who works as an accountant and information system expert in the US, became the Apetu in July 2019.
The monarch and Oluwasanmi were apprehended in early 2024 for their involvement in a scheme to fraudulently acquire $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
They were charged with 13 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and engaging in financial transactions involving illegally obtained property.
They were brought before Justice Christopher Boyko of the US District Court of Ohio.
Court documents indicate that Oba Oloyede and Oluwasanmi, among others, fraudulently obtained $3.76 million from the US Paycheck Protection Programme and Economic Injury Disaster Loans scheme.
After approximately a year of legal proceedings, the two pleaded guilty to some of the charges and may be sentenced to prison.
On April 10, Oluwasanmi, through his lawyer Henry Hilow, pleaded guilty to counts one, 11, and 12 of the indictment.
These counts accused Oluwasanmi of using fraud proceeds to buy a commercial property at 422 South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio, via wire transfer, and of transferring money into the Dayspring transportation brokerage account.
“Guilty plea entered to counts 1, 11 and 12 of the indictment. Plea agreement executed. Sentencing set for July 2, 2025, at 10am in Courtroom 9A. Defendant’s bond to continue with same conditions as previously ordered,” the court document stated.
On Monday, April 21, Oba Oloyede entered his guilty plea with the court.
The court scheduled Thursday, April 24, for the hearing of his pleas.
