The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 (about ₦14 million) for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who has been on the run for over 20 years.
Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois in late December 2001, just days before his federal trial was set to begin. He was facing multiple charges, including Bank Fraud, Identification Document Fraud, and Credit Card Fraud.
The FBI confirmed the development in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:
“The FBI offers a reward of up to $10,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, wanted for Violation of Conditions of 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.”
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According to the FBI, Adediran allegedly entered a bank in Champaign, Illinois, in August 2001 and attempted to withdraw money using a fraudulent check. He also allegedly used stolen personal details of U.S. citizens to open bank and charge accounts.
When he fled just before trial, he violated the terms of his release, becoming a fugitive. On January 2, 2002, a federal arrest warrant was issued for him by the U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, Urbana, charging him with Violation of Conditions of Release.
The FBI is now urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.