A U.S.-based Nigerian engineer and former building inspector for the City of St. Louis, Adebanjo Popoola, has pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud after admitting to diverting approximately $1.64 million in public funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of dilapidated buildings.
According to U.S. federal prosecutors, Popoola fraudulently secured city-funded rehabilitation contracts through companies registered in the names of his wife and sister, concealing his personal interest in the businesses.
Investigators revealed that several of the contracted projects were either left unfinished or were not executed according to required standards. Despite this, Popoola allegedly certified that the work had been satisfactorily completed, enabling the release of public funds.
Prosecutors said the diverted funds were deposited into bank accounts jointly controlled by Popoola, his wife and his sister. The money was reportedly used to finance personal expenses, including mortgage payments, vehicle purchases and repairs, travel, casino gambling, dining, and his wedding in Hawaii in September 2023.
Court documents further alleged that Popoola deliberately concealed his links to the companies by falsely declaring he had no financial interest in businesses awarded city contracts. Contract records also falsely indicated that no city official had any private stake in the projects.
Popoola is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, in addition to financial penalties. He is also expected to make restitution by repaying the misappropriated funds.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from the City of St. Louis Comptroller’s Office.
