The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, a Nigerian national wanted in the United States for multiple fraud-related offences, including bank fraud, identity document fraud, and credit card fraud.
According to a statement published on the FBI’s website on Wednesday, Adediran, 56, is accused of attempting to cash fraudulent checks and using stolen identities of U.S. citizens to open bank and credit accounts in Illinois.
The alleged crimes date back to 2001, and Adediran reportedly fled the Central District of Illinois in December of that year, shortly before his federal trial was set to begin.
“Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is wanted for Violation of Conditions of Release,” the FBI statement said.
“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 federal arrest warrant for Adediran was issued on January 2, 2002, by the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, following charges for violating conditions of release.
The FBI noted that he has multiple aliases, including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward N. Anderson.
Described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, Adediran is reported to have ties to South Florida.
“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, urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact FBI offices in the United States or the nearest American embassy or consulate.
The FBI also provided a cautionary note, emphasizing that Adediran remains wanted and should be considered a fugitive. “Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois at the end of December 2001, shortly before his trial in the Central District of Illinois was set to begin on federal charges of Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud,” the statement added.
The FBI encourages anyone with information to submit tips through official channels, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to apprehending individuals accused of financial crimes and ensuring accountability under U.S. law.
(The Guardian)
