Nigerian National Extradited to Nebraska for Wire Fraud Charges

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Abiola Kayode, 37, from Nigeria to the District of Nebraska.

The extradition follows a Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud indictment filed against Kayode in August 2019.

This case highlights international cooperation in combating online fraud. Kayode, who was arrested by law enforcement authorities in the Republic of Ghana in April 2023 at the request of the U.S., was surrendered to FBI special agents.

He made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson on December 11, 2024, where he was ordered to remain detained pending trial.

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Allegations against Kayode center on his involvement in a sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that operated from January 2015 to September 2016.

His co-conspirators allegedly posed as senior executives from targeted companies, using spoofed email accounts to direct unwitting employees to make wire transfers. The fraudulent activities reportedly defrauded businesses in Nebraska and elsewhere of over $6 million.

The indictment alleges that Kayode played a crucial role by providing bank account information to his co-conspirators. These accounts, often belonging to victims of internet romance scams, were used to funnel the illicit proceeds.

Several of Kayode’s co-conspirators have already faced justice. Adewale Aniyeloye, who was involved in sending fraudulent emails, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $1,570,938.05.

Pelumi Fawehinimi, a bank account facilitator, received a 72-month sentence with restitution totaling $1,014,159.60. Onome Ijomone, extradited from Poland, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and restitution of $508,934.40. Recently, Alex Ogunshakin was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment following his extradition from Nigeria.

The FBI, along with international partners, remains committed to dismantling cybercriminal networks. “Our message to the remaining co-conspirators is clear: we are coming for you,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and international law enforcement to bring cybercriminals to justice.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs in securing Kayode’s extradition. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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