Nigerian Monarch, Pastor face possible jail terms after pleading guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud in U.S.

Nigerian Monarch, Pastor face possible jail terms after pleading guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud in U.S.

Following their guilty pleas to several charges pertaining to COVID-19 relief fund theft, Nigerian preacher Edward Oluwasanmi and Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, might face jail time in the United States.

Oluwasanmi and Oba Oloyede, who was arrested earlier this year for their roles in a conspiracy that defrauded the U.S. government of $4.2 million in pandemic relief funding, were both U.S.-based accountants and information systems specialists prior to their enthronement in July 2019.

Thirteen charges were brought against both men, including money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and dealing in property that was obtained illegally.

Justice Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court in Ohio presided over their arraignment.

Earlier investigations by Saturday PUNCH had reported the monarch’s absence from his community, sparking concern among residents when he missed key traditional festivals. It was later confirmed that he was being detained by U.S. authorities.

Court documents revealed that between April 2020 and February 2022, Oloyede and Oluwasanmi submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) under the U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

They used fake tax records and wage documents to secure funds intended for businesses struggling during the pandemic.

Oba Oloyede allegedly used his companies — Available Tax Services Inc., Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company — to orchestrate the fraud, while Oluwasanmi used entities including Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Inc., and Dayspring Property Inc. to obtain and divert millions of dollars for personal use.

Altogether, the duo were accused of illegally securing approximately $3.76 million through the federal aid programs.

Following months of court proceedings, Oluwasanmi entered a guilty plea on April 10 to three counts, admitting to using fraud proceeds to purchase a commercial property and transfer funds into a brokerage account. His sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2025.

Oba Oloyede, meanwhile, submitted his guilty plea on April 21, with a court hearing slated for April 24.

News of the monarch’s legal troubles has caused unrest in Ipetumodu.

Community leaders and residents, already unsettled by the demolition of the town’s palace, a project Oloyede had promised to rebuild before his arrest are now calling on the Osun State Government to investigate the situation and intervene.