 has placed a bounty of up to $10,000 (about ₦14 million) on a Nigerian national){kind=link}
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed a bounty of up to $10,000 (about ₦14 million) on a Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run for more than two decades.
Adediran vanished in December 2001, only days before his trial was due to commence in the Central District of Illinois.
At the time, he was facing several federal charges, including bank fraud, credit card fraud, and identity document fraud.
In a statement released on its official 𝕏 handle, the FBI said:
“We are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran.
“He fled in December 2001, shortly before facing trial on multiple fraud charges.”
Alleged crimes
According to court filings, Adediran was accused of walking into a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001, where he attempted to withdraw money with a forged check.
Authorities also allege that he used stolen personal information from U.S. citizens to open fraudulent bank and credit accounts.
Investigators say his decision to abscond before trial amounted to a violation of his release terms, making him a fugitive.
On January 2, 2002, the U.S. District Court in Urbana issued a federal warrant for his arrest.
FBI seeks public help
The Bureau has now appealed to members of the public for any credible leads on Adediran’s whereabouts.
Officials assured that anyone who provides useful information will have their identity protected.
“This case shows how financial crimes can cross borders and drag on for years if suspects escape justice.
“We urge anyone with knowledge of his location to step forward,” an FBI spokesperson said.
Adediran’s case adds to the long list of financial crime fugitives wanted by U.S. authorities who have remained elusive despite ongoing investigations.