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Nigerian Man Arrested Over Alleged $10m COVID-19 Aid Fraud In US—-A Nigerian national, Yomi Olayeye, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a $10 million COVID-19 unemployment assistance fraud scheme in the United States.

Olayeye, also known as “Sabbie,” was taken into custody on August 13, 2024, upon his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, under the Department of Justice, announced that Olayeye, 40, is facing charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to a statement released by the office, Olayeye and his co-conspirators are accused of fraudulently obtaining at least $10 million in unemployment benefits intended for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scheme allegedly involved using stolen personal information to file for unemployment benefits across several states, including Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Indiana. The fraudulent claims targeted three pandemic assistance programs: traditional unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

Olayeye and his co-conspirators reportedly applied for at least $10 million in fraudulent benefits across multiple states and successfully received over $1.5 million. The indictment claims that they used stolen personally identifiable information (PII) purchased from criminal internet forums to apply for the benefits, posing as eligible residents impacted by the pandemic.

The scheme involved opening U.S. bank and prepaid debit card accounts using the fraudulently obtained PII to receive the benefits. Olayeye and his associates also allegedly recruited U.S.-based account holders to transfer the illicit proceeds via cash transfer applications.

The fraudulent proceeds were then used to purchase Bitcoin through online marketplaces, with efforts made to conceal their connection to Nigeria by using U.S.-based IP addresses.

Olayeye made his initial court appearance on August 14 in the Eastern District of New York and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss, forfeiture, and restitution.

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Custody Death Scandal: LawyerTemokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe

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Lawyer Temokun Drags NDLEA

Custody Death Scandal: Lawyer Temokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe—-Calls for accountability grow after fresh death mirrors earlier prolonged detention case in Ondo.

Human rights lawyer Temokun has condemned the death of a detainee in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The lawyer described the development as alarming, linking it to a previous case in Ondo State involving prolonged detention without due process. In that earlier incident, Temokun had accused authorities of незакон detention and rights violations, insisting that suspects must be charged to court rather than held indefinitely.

He stressed that repeated allegations of unlawful detention and abuse within custody raise serious concerns about accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Temokun called on relevant authorities to thoroughly probe the latest death, ensure justice for the victim, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The NDLEA has yet to issue an official response regarding the latest allegations, as pressure mounts from legal and civil society groups for greater oversight of detention practices.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny of law enforcement agencies over the treatment of detainees and respect for fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village

Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)—-Residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly fled their homes following a fresh wave of bandit attacks, worsening security fears in the area.

The latest incident comes days after armed men stormed a church in the community, abducting several worshippers during a service and throwing residents into panic.

Sources say the repeated attacks have forced the villagers to abandon their homes over fears of further violence, leaving the community deserted.

Security operatives, alongside local vigilantes, have since launched rescue operations, successfully freeing some abducted victims, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.

The Kwara State Government condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act, and assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators.

The development adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara, following earlier deadly attacks in nearby communities that left scores dead and displaced many residents.

With fear gripping Omugo, many residents remain displaced as authorities work to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Watch Video of the Deserted Omugo Village Below:

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