The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a nationwide manhunt for a Nigerian man, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, wanted in connection with multiple federal fraud charges in the United States.
Adediran, who operates under several aliases including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Stephen Dediyi, and Maxo Alexandre, is accused of engaging in bank fraud, identity document fraud, and unauthorized credit card transactions.
Investigators say he used the personal information of unsuspecting U.S. citizens to open fraudulent bank and charge accounts.
A Fugitive Since 2001
According to the FBI, Adediran attempted to withdraw funds using a fake check at a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001.
He later fled the Central District of Illinois in December of the same year, just days before his federal trial was set to begin.
On January 2, 2002, a federal arrest warrant was issued against him in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Urbana.
Since then, he has remained a fugitive.
Physical Description and Reward
The FBI describes Adediran as a Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He was born on October 11, 1968, and is believed to have strong ties to South Florida.
To speed up his capture, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 (₦14.9 million) for information that directly leads to his arrest and conviction.
How to Report Information
Authorities are urging anyone with credible information about Adediran’s location to immediately contact their nearest FBI office, any U.S. embassy or consulate, or submit a tip anonymously via the FBI’s official website.
The bureau warned that Adediran is a high-risk fraud suspect and must be treated with caution.
The case highlights the persistent challenges posed by international fraud syndicates and identity theft operations.
U.S. authorities continue to track down fugitives who exploit stolen identities to defraud financial institutions.