Lifestyle
COVID-19 Fraud: US Court Jails Pastor As Osun Monarch Forfeits Property
A United States District Court has sentenced a Nigerian pastor, Edward Oluwasanmi, to 27 months’ imprisonment for COVID-19 relief fund fraud.
His friend, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, also forfeited his property to the US government while awaiting the court judgement slated for August 1.
Oluwasanmi and Oba Oloyede were arrested in early 2024 for fraudulently obtaining $4.2m in COVID-19 relief funds.
The two men were charged with 13 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property.
They were arraigned before Justice Christopher Boyko of the US District Court of Ohio.
Saturday PUNCH had reported that Oluwasanmi and Oloyede pleaded guilty to some of the charges after reaching a guilty plea agreement with the court.
According to court records obtained by our correspondent, Judge Boyko sentenced Oluwasanmi to 27 months’ imprisonment on counts one, 11 and 12 of the indictment on Wednesday, July 2.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
The court also ordered Oluwasanmi to pay a fine of $15,000, while he is to report himself to the U.S. Marshal Service.
“Supervised release three years on each of counts 1 and 11-12, all such terms to run concurrently, with standard and special conditions.
“As a result of the foregoing offenses, defendants Joseph Oloyede and Edward Oluwasanmi shall forfeit to the United States: all property, real and personal, which constitutes – or is derived from – proceeds traceable to the commission of the wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy offenses; all property constituting, or derived from, proceeds the defendants obtained, directly or indirectly, as the result of the wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy offenses and any and all property, real and personal involved in the money laundering offenses, and any property traceable to such property,” the court said.
Oluwasanmi is to forfeit a commercial property on 422 South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio.
Meanwhile, the court has fixed Friday, August 1, for sentencing of Oloyede, after the monarch also pleaded guilty to counts one and 13 of his charges.
On Monday, April 21, Oba Oloyede, a US-based accountant and information system expert, who was appointed Apetu in July 2019, submitted his guilty plea to the court.
Oba Oloyede and Oluwasanmi were accused of submitting falsified applications for Paycheck Protection Programme and Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the US Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act between April 2020 and February 2022.
They were also alleged of using fake tax and wage documents to secure funds meant to support struggling businesses during the pandemic.
The US Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing loans to small businesses and non-profit entities experiencing revenue loss due to the pandemic.
The Act also authorised the US Small Business Administration to issue advances or grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses.
Oba Oloyede was accused of using some of his companies, including Available Tax Services Incorporated, Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company, to defraud the government.
Following the monarch’s disappearance, the Osun State Government had said it would await the outcome of his trial before taking action.
The government also said it would conduct investigations and take steps on the monarch’s disappearance from the palace.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday, said nothing had changed yet.
He said, “A person is innocent until a court convicts them. So, we don’t want to jump the gun; let us wait for the court’s pronouncement on the matter.”
Lifestyle
BREAKING: Ogun Loses An Icon, Dr Olusegun Osoba

Osoba, who hailed from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, died peacefully at his residence in the early hours of Thursday, May 14, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by The Yusufu Bala Usman Institute in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The statement, signed by the Director of the institute, Norma Perchonock, read: “With heavy hearts but with gratitude for a life lived in the service of scholarship and humanity, the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute announces the death of our Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Osoba, who passed away peacefully today, 14th May 2026, at his residence in Ijebu Ode.
“He was 92 years old. Dr. Osoba was a rare scholar whose whole life was dedicated to teaching and research that was designed to educate his students, colleagues and the general public about the nature of the capitalist system and the structures of neo-colonialism that dominates the Nigerian state, and to propose ways of liberating the country from this odious system in order that its citizens may live their lives free from exploitation and oppression.
“His work in economic history was groundbreaking in many ways as he sought to expose the actual workings of the economic system that was holding back development in the country.
“His writings were wide ranging, from scholarly books and papers to articles and columns in newspapers that reached a wide audience. One of his major achievements was to author, together with his close comrade Yusufu Bala Usman, The Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976.
“This document has had a profound impact on the various debates and discussions about the way forward for Nigeria.
“Segun is gone but he has left an enduring legacy and a shining example for patriotic Nigerians to emulate. Funeral arrangements will be as announced by the family.”
Lifestyle
Nigerian Billionaire Abdulsamad Rabiu Battles South Africa’s Johann Rupert in Race for $20 Billion Fortune
Africa’s billionaire rankings are witnessing a fierce battle as Nigerian industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu and South African luxury magnate Johann Rupert race toward the historic $20 billion net worth mark.
Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, currently holds the advantage with an estimated fortune of $19.1 billion, placing him about $100 million ahead of Rupert in the latest billionaire rankings.
The Nigerian billionaire has emerged as Africa’s best-performing billionaire in 2026 after adding an estimated $8.96 billion to his fortune this year alone. His rapid rise has intensified conversations across the continent about who will become Africa’s second billionaire to officially cross the $20 billion threshold.
On the other hand, Rupert, the South African chairman of Richemont, has seen his wealth decline by roughly $506 million this year, largely due to fluctuations tied to the luxury company’s market performance.
Despite the recent decline, Rupert had earlier moved close to the $20 billion milestone before Rabiu widened the gap with his strong surge in wealth.
The rivalry between the two business titans is now being closely watched across Africa’s financial and investment circles, as both men remain among the continent’s most influential billionaires.
Entertainment
Sisialagbo: Fears Grow as She Takes Serious Action After Husband’s Disturbing Post
There is growing concern over the whereabouts and well-being of popular herb vendor and influencer Eniola Sisialagbo after her sudden disappearance from Facebook.
A check on her page on Friday, May 1, showed that the account, which doubles as her business platform, has been locked and is no longer accessible to the public. The development has left many followers uneasy, especially coming on the heels of a troubling message shared by her husband, Akeem Adesola
Just a day before her page went private, Akeem had taken to Facebook with a short but alarming message:
“Oh Allah, save my wife.” The post immediately drew attention, with many questioning what might have gone wrong behind the scenes. At the time, the couple was already under intense public scrutiny following the circulation of their controversial private video online.
Before then, Akeem had issued a detailed public apology, accepting full responsibility for the viral incident. In his statement, he admitted that his actions had caused embarrassment and pain not only to his wife but also to family members, business associates, and supporters.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote, describing the situation as a turning point in his life. He also appealed for forgiveness, promising to learn from the experience and rebuild trust moving forward.
Similarly, Sisialagbo had earlier addressed the issue in an emotional message, expressing regret and asking for understanding. “I own my mistakes and I apologize with all sincerity,” she wrote, adding that the situation had taken a heavy emotional toll on her.
-
Politics2 days agoList Of Tinubu Ex- Ministers Crash Out Of APC Governorship Primaries
-
News2 days agoYorubaland No Longer Safe, Terror Cells Expanding — Gani Adams
-
Entertainment2 days agoFailed Relationships Made Me Freeze My Eggs — Ashmusy
-
Business2 days ago35 Million Nigerians Risk Acute Hunger In Coming Months — UN
-
Politics2 days agoTaraba 2027: Kefas Secures APC Ticket For Second Term
-
Sports2 days agoGalatasaray President Rules Out Osimhen Exit
-
Sports2 days agoFive Gold Medals And African Record Highlight Nigeria’s Success In Algeria
-
Business9 hours agoNNPC Releases New Petrol Prices at Filling Stations Nationwide; State-by-state Costs Emerge
