SHOCKING! US-Based Nigerian Pastor and Osun Monarch Arrested in $4.2 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud
In a big crack down on pandemic fraud, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Pastor Edward Abiodun Oluwasanmi, a Nigerian pastor living in the US. He is accused of working with Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria to get $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds from the US government.
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The duo allegedly submitted fake documents to get loans meant to support businesses affected by the pandemic. Pastor Oluwasanmi used his companies—Dayspring Property Incorporated, Dayspring Holdings and Dayspring Transportation to get the funds and diverted them for personal use which is against federal laws.
Case has been filed and both individuals are facing 13-count indictment for conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering. Pastor Oluwasanmi was arrested in Cleveland in April 2024 and has since been released on a $20,000 bail with condition of appearance in court and any sentencing. Failure to comply will mean immediate re-arrest.
Oba Oloyede who was install as Apetu of Ipetumodu in July 2019 has been absent from his community since March 2024. Initially, it was reported he traveled to the US for personal reasons but subsequent investigation revealed he was arrested by the FBI for the alleged fraud. This has caused tension among the people of Ipetumodu who are waiting to know the status of their monarch.
The indictment filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio details how the two supposed offenders submitted fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. These programs were established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support businesses during the pandemic. The funds that were given to them was said to be pumped into personal and business accounts that Oluwasanmi and Oloyede control.
This case shows the ongoing effort of US authorities to identify and prosecute individuals exploiting relief programs meant to support businesses during trying times. Both defendants are innocent until proven guilty.
