Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, and Nigerian pastor Edward Oluwasanmi are facing potential prison sentences in the United States after pleading guilty to charges related to COVID-19 relief fraud.Oloyede, a US-based accountant and information system expert, became the Apetu in July 2019.The two were arrested in early 2024 for their involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain $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 monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. They were arraigned before Justice Christopher Boyko of the US District Court of Ohio.
Saturday PUNCH had previously reported the disappearance of Oloyede from the community, sparking anxiety among residents, especially after his absence from important festivals. An investigation revealed that Oloyede was detained by US authorities.
Court documents show that Oloyede and Oluwasanmi submitted false applications for Paycheck Protection Programme and Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the US CARES Act between April 2020 and February 2022, using fraudulent tax and wage documents to secure funds meant to assist struggling businesses during the pandemic.
The CARES Act was intended to offer emergency financial support to Americans affected by the pandemic, including loans and grants for small businesses and non-profits.Oloyede, formerly based in Medina, Ohio, was accused of using his companies, including Available Tax Services Incorporated, Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company, to defraud the government through the COVID-19 relief fund.
Oluwasanmi, on the other hand, used his companies—Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Incorporated, and Dayspring Property Incorporated—to obtain millions, which he later diverted for personal expenses, violating US federal laws.Court documents indicate that Oloyede and Oluwasanmi fraudulently obtained $3.76 million from the Paycheck Protection Programme and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
After nearly a year in court, both men pleaded guilty to certain charges and are facing possible prison sentences.On April 10, Oluwasanmi pleaded guilty to charges 1, 11, and 12 of the indictment, admitting to using some of the fraudulent funds to purchase a commercial property and make transfers to a transportation brokerage account.A sentencing date was set for July 2, 2025.
On April 21, Oloyede also submitted his guilty plea, with a hearing scheduled for April 24.Oloyede’s prolonged absence from Ipetumodu has sparked reactions from local leaders, especially after he reportedly demolished the town’s palace with a promise to rebuild it upon his return. With news of his trial, some residents are calling for state government intervention and investigation into the matter. Source : https://punchng.com/
