The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, a Nigerian wanted for multiple fraud-related offences dating back more than two decades.
According to a statement published on the FBI’s website on Wednesday, the 56-year-old is facing charges of bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud linked to alleged crimes committed in Illinois in 2001.
Adediran, who also uses aliases such as: Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson, is accused of attempting to cash fraudulent checks and using the stolen identities of American citizens to open bank and credit accounts.
The FBI disclosed that Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois in December 2001, shortly before his trial was due to begin. On January 2, 2002, a federal arrest warrant was issued for violation of his release conditions.
“In August 2001, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, and attempted to retrieve funds from a deposited fraudulent check. He also allegedly used stolen information of U.S. citizens to open bank and charge accounts. Adediran fled shortly before his trial was set to begin,” the FBI statement said.
The Bureau noted that Adediran has ties to South Florida and remains on its wanted list. He is described as 5’11’’ tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The agency urged members of the public with credible information about his whereabouts to contact any of its offices in the United States or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate worldwide.
“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 added.
The announcement comes amid renewed U.S. efforts to clamp down on international financial crimes, including cybercrime and identity theft schemes, which have seen several Nigerian nationals prosecuted in recent years.
