8 Nigerians in US Prisons for Stealing COVID-19 Relief Funds

As the list of those apprehended and charged for exploiting COVID-19 relief funds in the United States grows, an increasing number of Nigerians are among the accused. The relief initiative, established to help Americans facing hardships during the pandemic, became a target for fraud. Instead of aiding the effort, some chose to exploit it for personal gain.

The New York Times reported that by August 2023, over 3,100 individuals had been indicted for pandemic-related fraud, including a group of Nigerians. These individuals not only engaged in fraudulent activities but also used the stolen funds to ship luxury cars to Nigeria.

Yomi Jones Olayeye

The U.S. Justice Department has intensified its efforts to bring these offenders to justice, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of at least eight Nigerians involved in these fraudulent schemes. Sadly, among these were several Nigerians who ended up in big trouble.

Big Catch at JFK Meet Yomi Olayeye, also known as Sabbie. His story begins at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, where he was arrested for a major fraud. 

He managed to swipe at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, Yomi could face up to 20 years behind bars if convicted. He got caught between March and July 2020, tapping into funds meant to help people who lost their jobs because of the pandemic.

Abidemi Rufai

Abidemi Rufai, who once worked closely with the Governor of Ogun State. He was nabbed at JFK too, but in May 2021. Abidemi’s method? He stole the identities of over 20,000 Americans to file fake claims worth over $2 million. His fraudulent activities date back to 2017, involving false disaster claims from hurricanes. In 2022, he confessed to his crimes and received a five-year sentence.

Olamide, Quazeem, and Ayodeji 

In California, Olamide Yusuf Bakare found himself sentenced to nearly five years in prison for wire fraud during the pandemic. He wasn’t working alone; he had partners—Quazeem Owolabi Adeyinka and Ayodeji Jonathan Sangode. They crafted fake claims for unemployment benefits in Maryland and California. Quazeem and Ayodeji also faced the music in court, receiving sentences of 26 and 14 months, respectively.

Olushola and Olugbeminiyi 

Over in Georgia, Olushola Afolabi and Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe admitted their guilt in May 2022. They used stolen identities to pocket over $4 million in benefits. They even tried to scam several other states! They’re waiting to hear how long they’ll spend in prison, but they could be looking at up to 20 years.

Bamidele Muraina

Lastly, there’s Bamidele Muraina. He was sentenced in September 2021 after he hacked into tax firms, filed bogus tax returns and unemployment claims using stolen info. He focused on Washington residents, tapping into federal pandemic relief funds and channeling them into accounts controlled by his accomplices.