Former St. Louis Building Inspector, Adebanjo “Banjo” Popoola indicted over $1.67m fraud Scheme

A former building inspector with the City of St. Louis, Adebanjo “Banjo” Popoola, has been indicted for allegedly diverting $1.67 million meant for repairing dilapidated buildings to himself and his relatives.

Popoola was indicted on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis on three counts of wire fraud. He is currently in custody and is expected to make his initial court appearance on Friday.

According to the indictment, Popoola allegedly used his position in the city’s building division to channel funds intended for renovation and rehabilitation of privately owned properties to companies owned by his sister and his wife.

Investigators said Popoola directed funds to Farst Construction LLC, a company registered in Missouri in October 2022 by his sister, who reportedly lives in Texas and has no construction background. He also allegedly steered contracts to Premier Finish Contractors LLC, a company incorporated in Missouri in February 2021 by his longtime partner, who later became his wife.

Prosecutors allege that about $1.4 million from the city’s Stable Communities STL program and roughly $339,500 from the Prop NS program were awarded to Farst. Additionally, about $1.3 million from the Stable Communities STL program and around $1 million from the Prop NS program were allegedly awarded to Premier.

The indictment further claims that of 59 contracts under the Stable Communities STL program, Popoola caused 13 to be awarded to Farst and 10 to Premier, accounting for roughly 42 percent of the $7.99 million distributed. Under the Prop NS program, eight contracts were allegedly awarded to Farst and 23 to Premier, representing about 24 percent of the $5.6 million total.

Authorities also allege that the companies failed to perform contracted work on several properties, yet Popoola falsely certified that the work had been completed. Funds were then deposited into joint bank accounts shared by Popoola, his wife, and his sister.

The indictment details how the money was allegedly used for personal expenses, including mortgage payments, vehicle purchases and repairs, travel, a Hawaii wedding in September 2023, casino gambling, and entertainment.

Popoola is also accused of falsely declaring on official city documents that he had no personal interest in contracts with the City of St. Louis. His wife and sister allegedly made similar false claims in contract documents.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the City of St. Louis Comptroller’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.

Prosecutors noted that the charges are allegations, and Popoola is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.