How COVID-19 Pushed Me To Swindle America Of $4.2 Million – Apetu Of Ipetumodu Narrates To U.S. Court

The Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has reportedly disclosed that the coronavirus pandemic was a major factor that pushed him into swindling $4.2 million COVID-19 relief funds.

The monarch stated this in a fresh plea for leniency submitted to the United States.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Oba Oloyede had admitted guilt in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scandal that stunned both Nigeria and the U.S.

In a sentencing memorandum filed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, before Judge Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio — which was exclusively obtained by Peoples Gazette — the monarch, through his lawyers, acknowledged his guilt but argued that the coronavirus pandemic was a major factor that pushed him into committing the crime.

“COVID-19 affected all of us differently. Conduct that we would never expect from ourselves or others sometimes manifested itself as we encountered a completely different society.

“COVID-19 is not an excuse. But it is a factor. Particularly when, as did Joseph, one had to worry that pre-existing health problems could now become fatal if the virus was contracted,” the document quoted his counsel as saying.

The U.S. prosecutors said the monarch laundered part of the proceeds through personal and business accounts, prompting the government to seize a Medina County property in Ohio and more than $96,000 from one of his company’s bank accounts.

He was later granted bail after surrendering both his U.S. and Nigerian passports, but remained under restrictions pending final judgment.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.

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