The United States has declared two Nigerians, Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka and Tayo Muyiwa Olukoya, wanted over separate cases of alleged Medicare fraud and drug trafficking.
Federal records show that Ohaka is wanted for an alleged healthcare fraud scheme involving over $3.1 million in fraudulent Medicare claims, while Olukoya is sought over an alleged conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General said Ohaka, 57, allegedly worked with accomplices through his Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc., to file claims for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment. The items included power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories.
Investigators alleged that the equipment was at times never delivered to beneficiaries or failed to meet Medicare’s medical necessity requirements. The agency said the scheme brought in about $1.08 million in proceeds.
It further alleged that Ohaka falsely posed as a medical doctor under the name “Dr Joshua Ohaka” and targeted Medicare beneficiaries who had lived in areas hit by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Meanwhile, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists Olukoya, also known as “Uncle”, as a fugitive over an alleged conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, and to distribute them.
Olukoya was earlier named in a 2022 announcement by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana among defendants charged in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy. The office said the alleged operation involved the distribution of large quantities of marijuana across several US states.
Both cases remain allegations, and the two men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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