U.S. Grand Jury Indicts Nigerian Inspector for Fraud

Banjo Popoola, a Nigerian inspector, has been indicted by a U.S. Grand Jury in the Eastern District of Missouri for allegedly orchestrating a $4.7 million fraud scheme related to construction contracts.

The indictment claims that Popoola exploited his official position to award lucrative renovation contracts to two companies linked to his family members, receiving kickbacks in return. He is accused of persuading his sister in Texas to establish a Missouri-based company, Farst Construct LLC, despite having little to no construction experience.

Additionally, he allegedly encouraged a partner to incorporate Premier Finish Contractor LLC. Between February 2021 and August 2024, Popoola awarded contracts totaling $4.7 million under the city’s housing rehabilitation program, with an estimated $1.6 million obtained through the scheme.

Prosecutors allege that Popoola violated conflict of interest rules and failed to disclose financial interests in the contracts. He faces three counts of wire fraud, with federal prosecutors seeking the forfeiture of at least $1.6 million.