Banjo Popoola, a 57-year-old Nigerian-American building inspector for the City of St. Louis, has pleaded guilty to stealing $1.64 million in public funds meant for housing repairs to finance a lavish wedding, luxury cars, gambling, and personal expenses. The admission came during a U.S. District Court hearing in St. Louis on Tuesday, where Popoola formally acknowledged his role in a fraud scheme that exploited city contracts. He now faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and mandatory repayment of the stolen funds, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Popoola admitted to misusing funds from two city programs: Prop NS and Stable Communities STL. These funds were intended to rehabilitate deteriorating residential buildings in underserved neighborhoods. Instead, he diverted money to pay for his September 2023 wedding in Hawaii, multiple vehicle purchases, travel, casino gambling, and dining and entertainment. The DOJ confirmed that he used his position to award contracts to companies linked to his family, including his sister and future wife.
In 2022, Popoola’s sister, a Texas resident who had never visited St. Louis, incorporated Farst Construction LLC in Missouri. His future wife established Premier Finish Contractors LLC in February 2021. Popoola then used his influence to steer over $1.4 million in Stable Communities STL contracts to Farst between June 2023 and November 2024. He also directed $339,500 in Prop NS contracts to the same company between February 2023 and March 2024.
Additionally, Popoola funneled approximately $1.3 million from the Stable Communities STL program and $853,100 from Prop NS to Premier Finish Contractors between October 2023 and May 2024. Throughout this period, he falsely reported on City Employee Secondary Employment Questionnaires that he had no personal or financial interest in any business or contract with the city. These false declarations were made in 2022 and 2023, despite his direct involvement in awarding contracts to his family’s companies.
The case was initially brought to light in March when a U.S. grand jury indicted Popoola on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy. The indictment detailed how he used his position to award multimillion-dollar contracts in exchange for kickbacks, which were later traced to his extravagant lifestyle. His sentencing is scheduled for October 6, and he will be required to repay the full amount stolen.
This case highlights the risks of corruption in public service, even in foreign countries, and serves as a warning to public officials worldwide. The misuse of funds meant for community development underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms. As Popoola awaits sentencing, the case continues to draw attention to ethical standards in public office, particularly among Nigerian diaspora professionals holding positions of trust abroad.
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