By Jide Francis
Society Page Editor
A traditional ruler from Osun State, Nigeria, has been sentenced to more than four years in prison by a United States court after being found guilty of involvement in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fund fraud scheme.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the monarch conspired with others to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds that were meant to support struggling American businesses and families during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Court documents revealed that the funds were diverted through falsified loan applications and shell companies before being laundered and shared among the syndicate members.
The monarch, whose name has drawn wide attention both in Nigeria and abroad, was extradited to the U.S. following investigations by American authorities. He was charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. After a lengthy trial, the court handed him a sentence of over four years in federal prison, alongside an order to repay part of the stolen funds.
U.S. Justice Department officials described the case as another example of how international criminal networks exploited the global health crisis for personal enrichment. They noted that pandemic relief programs were created to cushion the economic impact of COVID-19 but were instead targeted by fraudsters who took advantage of loopholes in the system.
Back home in Osun State, news of the sentencing has sparked shockwaves. Many residents and community leaders expressed disbelief that a traditional ruler could be involved in such a scheme, describing it as a dent on the image of the traditional institution.
Nigerian anti-corruption groups have also reacted, saying the development underscores the need for greater scrutiny of public figures and stronger collaboration between Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies.
The U.S. court’s decision means the monarch will serve his term in an American correctional facility before facing any possible sanctions back in Nigeria.
