US DHS Accuses Nigerian Man Of $3m Medicare Fraud As DEA Seeks Another Over Drug Allegations

The United States government has declared two Nigerian men, Ezechukwu Ohaka and Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya, wanted over separate allegations involving Medicare fraud and drug-related offences.

According to information released by US authorities, Ohaka is accused of participating in a scheme that allegedly involved submitting more than $3.1 million in fraudulent Medicare claims and obtaining over $1 million in illegal proceeds.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that the 57-year-old allegedly worked with accomplices through a Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc., to submit claims for power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories that were reportedly not medically necessary or were not provided.

Authorities further alleged that the scheme targeted hurricane victims and involved the payment of kickbacks to recruit beneficiaries.

The allegations have not been established as convictions, and Ohaka is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

In a separate case, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has declared 57-year-old Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya, also known as Uncle, wanted over alleged offences involving controlled substances.

The agency disclosed through its official X account that its Chicago division was seeking Olukoya in connection with an alleged conspiracy to possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute them and to distribute the substances.

The two cases involve separate investigations by US authorities, with the allegations against each man differing in nature.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the announcements highlight ongoing efforts by American law enforcement agencies to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in financial fraud and drug-related activities. However, the available statements do not establish the outcome of either case.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a separate health alert following the reported detection of an Ebola virus case in Nigeria.

In the alert published on October 21, the US Mission described Ebola as a serious illness that can be severe and potentially fatal. It noted that health officials were conducting contact tracing following the reported case.

The embassy advised travellers to consult guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate precautions against possible exposure.

It also urged people who may have been exposed to the virus to contact healthcare providers promptly if they develop symptoms, so they can receive guidance on how to seek medical attention safely.

Travellers were further advised to continue taking malaria-prevention medication as prescribed by their doctors, noting that malaria symptoms can sometimes resemble those of Ebola.

The alert recommended that people returning from areas experiencing an Ebola outbreak monitor their health for 21 days after travel. It also directed travellers to official US government resources for health information, medical providers and travel assistance.

The embassy encouraged travellers to check their insurance coverage and understand available medical evacuation arrangements in case they become seriously ill while abroad.