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Several Nigerians have been implicated in COVID-19 relief fund fraud in the United States, joining a significant number of individuals charged for pandemic-related crimes. Here’s a summary of the notable cases:
- Yomi Jones Olayeye
- Charges: Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
- Details: Arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in August 2024, Olayeye is accused of fraudulently obtaining at least $10 million in unemployment benefits. If convicted, he faces up to 22 years in prison.
- Abidemi Rufai
- Charges: Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
- Details: A former aide to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Rufai was arrested in May 2021 for fraudulently claiming over $2 million in benefits using stolen identities. He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022.
- Olamide Yusuf Bakare, Quazeem Owolabi Adeyinka, and Ayodeji Jonathan Sangode
- Charges: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud
- Details: In July 2023, Bakare was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months for submitting fraudulent claims. Adeyinka and Sangode received sentences of 26 and 14 months respectively for their roles in the conspiracy.
- Olushola Afolabi and Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe
- Charges: Using stolen identities to fraudulently collect unemployment benefits
- Details: In May 2022, Afolabi and Aderibigbe pleaded guilty to stealing over $4 million in benefits. They are awaiting sentencing, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
- Bamidele Muraina
- Charges: Hacking, fraudulent claims
- Details: Sentenced in September 2021, Muraina was convicted of hacking tax preparation firms and filing fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. He used stolen data from Washington residents to exploit federal relief programs.
These cases underscore the serious legal consequences of exploiting pandemic relief programs, reflecting the ongoing efforts by the US Justice Department to address such fraud.