Nigerian-born engineer Banjo Popoola has pleaded guilty in the United States to a fraud scheme that diverted $1.64 million in public funds for personal expenses, including a lavish wedding and luxury purchases.
Popoola Pleads Guilty
Banjo Popoola, a Nigerian-born engineer and former St. Louis building inspector, has pleaded guilty to stealing $1.64 million meant for repairing dilapidated buildings, according to Peoples Gazette, citing the U.S. Department of Justice.
Popoola admitted using public funds for mortgage payments, vehicle purchases, casino gambling and a luxury Hawaii wedding for his second wife. Prosecutors said he secretly channelled construction contracts to companies set up by his sister and future wife while concealing his ties to the firms on disclosure forms.
The scheme involved contracts under the Stable Communities STL and Prop NS programmes. Popoola, 57, entered his plea in a St. Louis federal court and faces sentencing on October 6, with up to 20 years in prison and required restitution.
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