Nigerian Woman Faces 10 Years in U.S. Prison for COVID-19 Benefits Fraud

A 43-year-old Nigerian woman residing in the United States, Funke Iyanda, has been indicted for allegedly defrauding the Pennsylvania Department of Labor of $40,980 in COVID-19 benefits fraud.

Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the indictment in a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

If convicted, Iyanda faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

“A Nigerian national residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government property,” the statement read.

“The one-count Indictment named Funke Iyanda, 43, with no U.S. status, as the sole defendant.

“According to the Indictment, from May 27, 2020, to May 24, 2021, Iyanda prepared and submitted a false application and claim for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the name of another person to the PA Department of Labor, for which Iyanda received approximately $40,980 in unemployment benefits to which Iyanda was not legally entitled.

“The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.