US Jails Nigerian Pastor for COVID Fraud as Osun Monarch Forfeits Property

US Court Sentences Pastor, Seizes Monarch’s Assets in COVID-19 Fraud Case

A U.S. federal court has sentenced Nigerian pastor Edward Oluwasanmi to 27 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. His associate, Oba Joseph Oloyede—the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State—has forfeited properties to the U.S. government and is scheduled for sentencing on August 1.

Both men were arrested in early 2024 and charged with 13 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and submitting falsified documents to obtain pandemic aid through PPP and EIDL programs. The funds were meant to support struggling U.S. businesses during the COVID crisis.

Pastor Oluwasanmi pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced on July 2 by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court of Ohio. He will serve his terms concurrently and has been ordered to forfeit a commercial property in South Euclid, Ohio, and pay a $15,000 fine.

Oba Oloyede, who also pleaded guilty, was found to have used companies under his control to commit the fraud. His sentencing is pending, while the Osun State Government says it will await the final court decision before taking action on his status as monarch.