FBI Offers $10,000 Reward For Nigerian Fugitive Wanted Since 2001
By Emmanuel Daniji
More than two decades after allegedly fleeing the United States shortly before his fraud trial, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian-linked fugitive Olumide Adebiyi Adediran.
The FBI, in a wanted notice published on its official website, said Adediran has ties to South Florida and has been wanted since 2001 in connection with federal fraud charges.
According to the agency, Adediran allegedly walked into a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001 and attempted to withdraw money using a fraudulent cheque that had been deposited into an account.
The FBI further alleged that he used stolen personal information belonging to United States citizens to open bank accounts and charge accounts.
Following the investigation, Adediran was charged with bank fraud, identification document fraud and credit card fraud.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when he allegedly disappeared shortly before his trial was scheduled to begin.
The FBI said Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois in late December 2001, leaving authorities searching for him.
On January 2, 2002, the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, issued a federal arrest warrant for him after he was charged with violating the conditions of his release.
More than 20 years later, his name remains on the FBI’s wanted list.
The agency said Adediran is known by several aliases, including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Kevin Deumiof Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Stephen Dediyi, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, Ademola O. Adebiyi and Edward N. Anderson.
The FBI identified him as a Black male born on October 11, 1968. He is listed as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The FBI’s Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation and is appealing to members of the public who may have information about his whereabouts.
The agency said anyone with information can contact their local FBI office or the nearest United States embassy or consulate.
Members of the public can also submit tips anonymously through the FBI’s online reporting system.
The $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Adediran’s arrest and conviction.
The case highlights how a federal fugitive can remain wanted for decades after allegedly disappearing before trial, with authorities continuing to pursue leads long after the original charges were filed.
The allegations against Adediran have not been established in court, as he fled before the scheduled trial on the federal charges.
