Oba Joseph Oloyede, Apetu of Osun State’s iputumodu, Nigeria’s pastor Edward Oluwasanmi, has pleaded guilty to the U.S. Covid-19 relief fraud charges, $4.2 million in the U.S.
According to court records, Oluwasanmi used properties including Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Incorporated and Dayspring properties to illegally obtain and transfer funds intended for businesses struggling during the pandemic. The two were charged with 13 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, fraud deception, money laundering and engaging in currency transactions involving criminally derived property.
Oluwasanmi, represented by attorney Henry Hilow, pleaded guilty to the indictment on April 10, pleaded guilty to the indictment, pleaded guilty to the use of fraudulent proceeds to purchase commercial properties in South Euclid, Ohio and transferred funds to a brokerage account. Oloyede filed a plea on April 21 and the two will be sentenced on July 2.
Oba Oloyede is an accountant and information systems expert in the United States who traveled between Nigeria and the United States before he ascended the throne in 2019. His extended absence from iputumodu has attracted the attention of the natives, especially after he demolished the palaces of the community to rebuild them, before being arrested in the United States.
The survey shows that between April 2020 and February 2022, Oloyede and Oluwasanmi filed fake protection plans and forged applications for economic injury disaster loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and used false tax documents and wage documents to secure these funds. The bill is intended to support small businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic economy.
Court documents further allege that Oloyede used available tax service companies, available financial companies and available transport companies to commit fraud. Oluwasanmi also uses its own company to secure millions of dollars in personal use, violating U.S. federal law.
Punch earlier reported that residents of iputumodu were increasingly anxious about the unexplained absence of the monarch, especially during important festivals and community events. His ongoing trial in the United States has intensified calls for the Osan State government to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
