The Digest:
A U.S. grand jury has charged Nigerian-born engineer Banjo Popoola, a building inspector in St. Louis, Missouri, with wire fraud over an alleged $4.7 million contract fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2024, Popoola exploited his role by awarding contracts to companies tied to his wife and sister, receiving kickbacks totaling over $1.6 million. Funds were traced to personal expenses, including a lavish Hawaii wedding for his second wife, cars, gambling, and housing. He also allegedly certified projects that were never completed or properly executed.
Key Points:
- Popoola directed over $4.7 million in contracts to companies linked to his wife and sister.
- He personally gained more than $1.6 million, sometimes cashing cheques himself.
- Funds were used for a lavish Hawaii wedding for his second wife, cars, gambling, and housing.
- He falsely certified projects as completed when they were not properly executed.
- Prosecutors are seeking to recover at least $1.6 million. He faces three counts of wire fraud.
As Popoola faces federal charges, the case adds to the growing list of Nigerians in the diaspora accused of defrauding public programs, with authorities moving to recover proceeds traced to luxury lifestyles.
Sources: X
