FBI Places $10k Bounty on Nigerian Fraud Fugitive

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, a Nigerian national wanted in the United States for multiple fraud-related offences.

According to a statement on the FBI’s official website on Wednesday, Adediran, 56, is facing charges of bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud linked to alleged crimes in Illinois dating back to 2001.

Longstanding Fugitive

Authorities said Adediran, who also goes by several aliases — including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson — attempted to cash fraudulent checks and used the stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open bank and credit accounts.

He reportedly fled the Central District of Illinois in December 2001, just before his trial was set to begin. A federal arrest warrant was subsequently issued on January 2, 2002, after he was charged with violating his conditions of release.

“In August of 2001, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, and attempted to retrieve funds from a deposited fraudulent check,” the FBI said. “He also allegedly used stolen information of United States citizens to open bank and charge accounts.”

Reward and Appeal

The Bureau noted that Adediran has ties to South Florida and remains on its wanted list. He is described as being 5’11” tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran,” the statement read.

The agency urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest FBI field office, U.S. Embassy, or American consulate.