By Muhammad Mamman
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 (around ₦14 million) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run for more than 20 years.
Adediran absconded from the Central District of Illinois in December 2001, shortly before his federal trial was due to commence. He was facing multiple charges, including bank fraud, identity document fraud and credit card fraud.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Bureau wrote:
“The FBI offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, wanted for violating the conditions of his release. Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois at the end of December 2001, shortly before his trial was set to begin on federal charges of bank fraud, identification document fraud and credit card fraud.”
According to the FBI, Adediran allegedly attempted to withdraw money with a fraudulent cheque at a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001. He is also accused of using stolen personal details of US citizens to open bank and credit accounts.
When he absconded days before his trial, Adediran breached his bail conditions and was declared a fugitive. A federal arrest warrant was issued on 2 January 2002 by the United States District Court, Central District of Illinois, Urbana, charging him with violation of conditions of release.
