FBI Offers ₦14m Reward for Information on Nigerian Fugitive

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 (approximately ₦14 million) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run for over two decades.

According to the FBI, Adediran absconded from the Central District of Illinois in late December 2001, just before his federal trial was scheduled to begin. He was facing multiple charges, including Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud.

In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Bureau wrote, “the FBI offers a reward of up to $10,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, wanted for Violation of Conditions of Release. Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois at the end of December of 2001, shortly before his trial was set to begin on federal charges of Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud.”

According to details on the FBI’s official website, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001 and attempted to withdraw funds using a fraudulent check. He is also accused of using stolen personal information belonging to U.S. citizens to open multiple bank and charge accounts.

Just days before his trial, Adediran fled, violating the terms of his release and becoming a fugitive. On January 2, 2002, a federal arrest warrant was issued against him in the United States District Court, Central District of Illinois, Urbana, charging him with Violation of Conditions of Release.

The FBI is urging anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to come forward, stressing that such tips could lead to the $10,000 reward.