The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a reward of up to $10,000, about N14 million, for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of a Nigerian man, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run for over two decades.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FBI said Adediran is facing charges of bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud linked to offences committed in Illinois as far back as 2001.
The 56-year-old is said to use several aliases, including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson. He allegedly tried to cash fraudulent checks and used stolen identities of American citizens to open bank and credit accounts.
The FBI explained that Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois in December 2001, just before his trial was due to begin. A federal arrest warrant was later issued on January 2, 2002, after he violated conditions of his release.
“Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is wanted for Violation of 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. He also allegedly used stolen information of United States citizens to open bank and charge accounts,” the statement read.
The agency added that Adediran has links to South Florida and remains on its wanted list. He is described as being 5 feet 11 inches 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 agency said.
It urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the FBI office in the United States or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
