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
Dangote: Old 2024 Prophecy By Bright The Seer About BBNaija Phyna’s Sister’s Accident Surfaces, Many Kick

An old prophecy by celebrity seer Bright about a Big Brother Naija contestant has resurfaced online
The prophecy, which dates back to 2024, mentioned a former housemate whose name starts with “P,” warning that she should pray against impending calamity
Bright recently reposted the old video, adding a caption to emphasise how her earlier prediction aligns with Phyna’s current predicament
Nigerians were taken aback by a new post from celebrity seer, Bright concerning Big Brother Naija star Phyna and her sister’s current condition.
Phyna recently called out a manufacturing group owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote after one of the company’s trucks crushed her sister Ruth’s legs.
Tragically, it was later revealed that Ruth’s left leg had been amputated, with doctors warning that she might also lose her right leg. The heartbreaking news has sparked an emotional outpouring online, with many Nigerians sending prayers for Ruth’s
Amid the public concern, Bright the Seer shared a new post on her page, resurfacing an old prophecy from June 11, 2024. In the clip, she had warned that a Big Brother Naija housemate whose name starts with the letter “P” should pray against a situation that could make her “run helter-skelter.”
The resurfaced prophecy has since triggered conversations online, with many connecting it to Phyna’s current ordeal.
Click to see Bright The Seer’s video here
Bright The Seer’s prophecy about Phyna trends Read some reactions as compiled by Legit below:
@mayoremaar said: “Ma at this point is there no solution to ur prophecy? Can’t u help them to reject it cos as we applaud 👏 u same way it hurt that most of the prophecy nigeria prophet gives is full of heartbreak 💔.”
@steveroyal3040 said: “So all her prophesies have no way to avert them? I tire o. Yet very bold to post that these bad prophesies comes to past.”
@precious_nonso_eze said: “This woman is gradually becoming another VDM, seeing prophecy abt anything and everything.”
@akachukwu_san said: “Why God go Dey show you about bbn when serious problems full country with no solution? Mumu people.”
@lush_chi2 said: ”
@bellaokagbue do you remember this prophecy. I tag you last year when she post this.”
@rosemaryosho said: “Truck drivers, driving very roughly, is not prophesy. It’s common sense. They all drive rough, even here in the US. They drive rough, they cause accidents and they need to be called to order. That shouldn’t be difficult to understand. No be everything be prophesy, abeg.” @nigerianpeterson said: “Now am beginning to believe you. Forgive my ignorance please.”
Lifestyle
Bishop Oyedepo 2nd As 3 Nigerian Pastors Make Latest List of Top 10 Richest In The World 2025

Religious leaders who have amassed significant wealth through their ministries, media empires, and business ventures are attracting global attention, with many people interested in who the richest pastors in the world are, and how much they are worth.
These pastors, some leading megachurches and others heading influential television ministries, have built substantial financial empires, blending their spiritual missions with savvy entrepreneurship. The wealth of these leaders often sparks debates about the intersection of religion and material success, with some viewing it as a sign of divine favour and others questioning its alignment with Christian values of modesty and charity
As of 2025, the list of the world’s top ten richest pastors is led by Kenneth Copeland and David Oyedepo. Their net worth, along with others on the list, reflects the vast influence they wield both within and beyond their congregations. From real estate investments to publishing and media, these pastors have leveraged their platforms to achieve financial success, cementing their status as some of the wealthiest spiritual leaders in the world.
Kenneth Copeland
Kenneth Copeland, founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, holds the title of the wealthiest pastor worldwide. Based in Texas, his ministry’s global reach is amplified by his television network, books, and speaking engagements. Copeland’s luxury properties and private jet are often seen as reflections of his belief in the “prosperity gospel.”
David Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo, leader of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, commonly known as Winners’ Chapel, is Africa’s richest pastor. His wealth comes from his churches, publishing house, schools, and Covenant University, a top private university in Nigeria.
Pat Robertson
Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), has had a substantial impact in both the media and political realms. His network has played a significant role in global Christian programming, solidifying his status as a leading televangelist.
Joel Osteen
As senior pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest megachurch in the U.S., Joel Osteen is well known for his uplifting messages. His wealth stems largely from his best-selling books and television ministry, which reach millions worldwide.
Enoch Adeboye
Pastor Enoch Adeboye heads the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Africa’s largest religious organisations. With churches across the globe, Adeboye’s influence is immense, and his spiritual leadership has garnered him widespread respect.
Uebert Angel
Prophet Uebert Angel, founder of Spirit Embassy (Good News Church), has rapidly grown in prominence. His wealth is derived from his ministry and various business ventures, particularly in real estate, and he has a growing following across continents.
Benny Hinn
Famous for his “miracle healing” crusades, Benny Hinn is one of the most recognisable televangelists in the world. His healing services, widely broadcast, have contributed significantly to his wealth through ministry and media ventures.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of Christ Embassy, also known as Believers’ Loveworld. His ministry, focused on teaching and healing, reaches millions through television, publications, and even a music label, making him one of Africa’s richest pastors.
Pastor Creflo Dollar
Creflo Dollar, known for his teachings on the “prosperity gospel,” leads World Changers Church International. His ministry’s emphasis on financial blessings has helped him build wealth through books, television, and speaking engagements.
Rick Warren
Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life, rounds out the list. His book’s global success has made him one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world, extending his influence beyond his congregation.
The significant wealth accumulated by these pastors continues to fuel debates, particularly surrounding the “prosperity gospel,” which suggests that financial success is a sign of divine favour. While supporters see this as a positive interpretation of faith, critics argue it contradicts traditional Christian values such as humility and charity.
Nevertheless, these religious leaders have built massive empires, intertwining their spiritual missions with business savvy. Their influence extends not just within their congregations but also across global media and economic spheres.
Lifestyle
Pray Against Sudden Termination Of Your Life – Primate Ayodele Warns Bashir Haske

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned the CEO of AA and R investment groups, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, to pray against the sudden termination of his life.
This was made known in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, on Friday.
The prophet stated that the business executive has a great future and will do significant things for Nigeria, but he will be fought and implicated except he seeks the face of God.
Primate Ayodele stated that he foresees several security operatives, nationally and internationally, being used to tackle his businesses by people who want him to fail. He urged him to pray for his life not to be cut short.
“Abdullahi Bashir Haske must pray for his life, I see him being implicated even though he has a serious prospect. He will be getting fought by the international community.”
“I also see operatives like DSS, Interpol, DMI, FBI, EFCC fighting him and trying to bring him down at all costs. He needs to seek the face of God so that they won’t make him lose multi-billion dollar projects.”
Primate Ayodele stated that Bashir’s impact will be felt especially in the oil and gas sector, explaining that he has the capacity to build one of the largest refineries in the world and crash the price of fuel to about N400, but people who have seen his future will try to cut it short.
“He has the capacity to turn the oil sector of Nigeria around with one of the largest refineries, which can even crash the price of petrol to N400/Litre. He has the prospect to become a governor in his state, but people with vulture eyes have seen his future and want to destroy his political prospect.”
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele urged him to seek the face of God to survive every attempt against his life, including a plane crash.
“They will fight him in the next two years and see him as a threat; he needs God’s prayers for him to survive. They want to take his life through a plane crash or any other way; he needs serious prayers for his life. He has a lot to offer Nigeria even internationally, but he needs prayers for his life.”
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