The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national Olumide Adebiyi Adediran. The 56-year-old is wanted in the United States on multiple federal charges related to fraud, stemming from crimes allegedly committed in Illinois over two decades ago.
According to a statement published on the FBI’s website on Wednesday, Adediran faces charges including bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud. Authorities allege that the crimes occurred in the Central District of Illinois as far back as 2001.
Allegations and Alias
Adediran, who is also known by several aliases including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson, is accused of orchestrating schemes involving the use of fraudulent checks and the theft of U.S. citizens’ identities. The stolen personal information was allegedly used to open bank and credit accounts.
The FBI statement detailed the allegations: “In August of 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 United States citizens to open bank and charge accounts.”
Fugitive Status
Adediran’s fugitive status dates back to late 2001. He allegedly fled the Central District of Illinois in December 2001, shortly before his trial was scheduled to commence. Consequently, a federal arrest warrant was issued for him on January 2, 2002, for violating the conditions of his release.
The wanted national is described as being 5’11” tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and is believed to have ties to South Florida. The FBI has urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact its local offices in the United States or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
Source: BBC
