Convicted Nigerian Monarch Joseph Oloyede Forfeits Millions to U.S. Government in COVID-19 Fraud Case

By THE GIST SCOOP


  Joseph Oloyede, a former Nigerian monarch and dual U.S. citizen, has been ordered to forfeit millions of dollars in cash and property to the U.S. government following his conviction in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.


Oloyede, formerly known as the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, pleaded guilty on April 24 to 13 counts of fraud. He is currently awaiting sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.


Ahead of sentencing, the court approved a motion by federal prosecutors on May 5 to seize his assets. Among the forfeited items is a property in Medina County, Ohio, purchased under his wife Sherri Oloyede’s name in May 2021. As part of a plea deal intended to secure a lighter sentence, both Joseph and Sherri Oloyede agreed not to contest the forfeiture.


Oloyede’s conviction is part of a broader crackdown on individuals who exploited pandemic-era relief programs for personal gain.