The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a Nigerian national, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, who is wanted in the United States for violating conditions of his release and evading prosecution in a major financial fraud case.
According to a statement released Wednesday night, September 24, Adediran fled the Central District of Illinois in late December 2001, just days before his scheduled federal trial. He has remained a fugitive for nearly 24 years.
Adediran was facing multiple federal charges, including bank fraud, identification document fraud, and credit card fraud—offenses that prosecutors say were part of an organized scheme to defraud financial institutions and individuals. The charges reflect a pattern of sophisticated financial crimes that federal investigators believe involved falsifying documents and illegally accessing banking systems for monetary gain.
Authorities say Adediran’s decision to abscond before trial constitutes a “Violation of Conditions of Release,” a serious federal offense that occurs when a defendant intentionally breaches terms set by the court—such as supervised release or bail—pending trial. In this case, his flight from the U.S. judicial system underscores his status as a high flight risk.
“The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Adediran,” the bureau said in a statement, adding that any information leading directly to his arrest and conviction could result in a reward of up to $10,000.
Investigators believe that Adediran may be residing abroad under a different identity and have urged anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact their nearest FBI office or submit a tip through the bureau’s official website.
The FBI’s renewed appeal signals a significant push to bring Adediran to justice after more than two decades on the run. Officials emphasize that even after many years, federal warrants remain active and fugitives remain subject to arrest and prosecution regardless of how much time has passed.
