Nigerian Pastor Sentenced To 27 Months In U.S. Over $4.2M COVID-19 Relief Fraud

July 7, 2025

A United States federal court has sentenced Edward Oluwasanmi, a Nigerian pastor based in Ohio, to 27 months in prison for his role in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme involving falsified loan applications.

The ruling, handed down by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on July 2, 2025, follows Oluwasanmi’s guilty plea to multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the prison term, he was ordered to forfeit $1.3 million, pay a $15,000 fine, and surrender a commercial property located in South Euclid, Ohio. He will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

According to court documents, between April 2020 and February 2022, Oluwasanmi and his co-defendant, Joseph Oloyede, who is also known as the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The duo used a network of companies to submit these claims, including Dayspring Transportation Ltd., Dayspring Holding Inc., Dayspring Property Inc., and several financial service entities controlled by Oloyede.

READ ALSO: CBN Warns Nigerians Against Engaging Fraudsters For Fake Contracts, Grants, Loans

Investigators found that the defendants submitted fake tax documents and payroll records to secure pandemic relief funds intended to support struggling American businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. The investigation was led jointly by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General.

Both defendants pleaded guilty earlier this year. While Oluwasanmi has been sentenced, Oloyede’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2025. He has already agreed to forfeit multiple U.S. properties tied to the fraudulent scheme.

The case underscores the U.S. government’s continued efforts to track, prosecute, and recover funds lost to pandemic-related fraud, particularly in high-dollar cases involving complex financial deception.

+ posts

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Previous Story

Nigeria, Other BRICS-aligned Countries At Risk As Trump Threatens Additional 10% Tariff

Next Story

BRICS Summit: Tinubu Urges More Attention On Environment, Climate, Healthcare

Featured Stories

Latest from News

State House Slams ADC, NNPP Over Criticism of Electoral Act Amendments

The Presidency on Thursday accused opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), of spreading misinformation and engaging in what it described as “constant lamentation and unwarranted outrage” over recent amendments to the Electoral Act.
Simisola Bolatito Kosoko

Simi: Police to Review Alleged Sexualising Comments About Children

Authorities in Lagos have referred a controversy involving Nigerian singer Simi to the police for preliminary investigation, following the circulation of old social media posts attributed to the artist. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it could not ignore
FCCPC Clarifies One-Month Moratorium On Exploitative Pricing Amid Economic Challenges

FCCPC Flags Possible Airline Price-Fixing During 2025 Christmas Season

Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has uncovered evidence suggesting some domestic airlines may have engaged in price fixing during the 2025 Christmas travel rush. In an interim report released Thursday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said ticket fares during December
Previous Story

Nigeria, Other BRICS-aligned Countries At Risk As Trump Threatens Additional 10% Tariff

Next Story

BRICS Summit: Tinubu Urges More Attention On Environment, Climate, Healthcare

Don't Miss

NDIC, EFCC Seek Probe Of N3.6bn Fraud Linked To Ex-NDDC Director’s Bank Failures

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is joining forces
Artificial Intelligence (AI)

How AI, E-Commerce ‘ll Force Change Of Jobs In 4 Careers By 2030- Mckinsey Study

Nearly 12 million Americans in occupations with shrinking demand may