By Kogi News Tribune | July 12, 2025
A United States federal court has sentenced a Nigerian national, Abiola Femi Quadri, to 135 months (over 11 years) in prison for defrauding the states of California and Nevada of more than $1.3 million in COVID-19 unemployment and disability benefits.
Quadri, 43, a resident of Pasadena in the San Gabriel Valley, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge George H. Wu. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
Elaborate Fraud Scheme
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Quadri submitted over 100 fraudulent claims using stolen identities between 2021 and 2024. The funds were primarily withdrawn from ATMs and used to finance extravagant projects in Nigeria, including the construction of a 120-room resort known as Oyins International. The facility reportedly features a nightclub, shopping mall, and other luxury amenities.
Court documents revealed that Quadri also funneled at least $500,000 abroad during the operation. He was arrested in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria.
Sham Marriage and Hidden Assets
Prosecutors disclosed that Quadri had obtained U.S. permanent residency through what he described in private messages as a “fake wedding” to a woman who was not his actual spouse. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on January 2, 2025.
Investigators discovered that Quadri failed to disclose ownership of the resort hotel during his financial disclosure to the court. A search of his mobile phone revealed images of 17 counterfeit checks valued at over $3.3 million, with some of the checks linked to shell companies registered under aliases he used.
Abuse of Public Programs
In addition to the pandemic fraud, Quadri received payments from the state of California to provide daycare services for developmentally disabled children through his Altadena-based business, Rock of Peace. However, authorities found misappropriated food-aid debit cards meant for children during a search of his residence.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department’s Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section led the prosecution.
Quadri’s sentence underscores the U.S. government’s continued crackdown on pandemic-related fraud and the abuse of public welfare systems.
