On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a reward of up to $10,000 (approximately ₦14 million) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, a Nigerian national wanted for violating conditions of release after fleeing the U.S. in December 2001 to evade trial on federal charges of bank fraud, identification document fraud, and credit card fraud, as posted on the FBI’s official X account and website (Web:0, Web:1, Web:2). Adediran, 42, was indicted in the Central District of Illinois for a scheme where he allegedly hacked a Western Pennsylvania construction company’s computer in March–April 2023, spoofed emails, and tricked a university into wiring $235,266.80 to a fraudulent account, with funds unrecovered (Web:0, Web:1).
Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti emphasized the FBI’s reach, stating, “Even from halfway across the world, Adediran was not beyond the investigative reach” (Web:0). FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek added that criminals targeting U.S. institutions face global pursuit (Web:0). The charges carry up to 20 years for wire fraud and five years for computer fraud (Web:1). X posts from @FBI (September 24, 2025) urged tips, while @Naija_Activist noted 74% public concern over cyber fraud’s $6 billion annual Nigerian impact (EFCC, 2024) (Post:3). Adediran, last seen in the U.S., remains at large (Web:2).
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