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A 37-year-old Nigerian man, Abiola Kayode, has been extradited to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The indictment, originally filed in the District of Nebraska in 2019, links Kayode to a $6 million business email compromise (BEC) scheme.
Kayode, who had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted Cyber Criminal List, was apprehended in Ghana in April 2023. Following his arrest, he was handed over to FBI agents for extradition to the U.S., where he made an initial court appearance on December 11, 2024. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered his detention pending trial.
The charges allege that Kayode participated in a sophisticated cyber fraud operation from 2015 to 2016. The scheme involved co-conspirators impersonating company executives through spoofed emails to deceive employees into transferring funds. Additionally, money from romance scam victims was allegedly funneled through various accounts as part of the laundering process.
Several of Kayode’s co-conspirators have already been convicted, receiving prison sentences ranging from 45 to 96 months. However, some accomplices are still at large.
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating cybercrime, stating:
“Four years ago, we identified six Nigerian nationals suspected of defrauding individuals and businesses in Nebraska and beyond of millions of dollars. Today, Abiola Kayode is the second of those suspects to be extradited to Nebraska to face justice. To the remaining co-conspirators: we are coming for you. Dismantling cybercrime networks that target U.S. citizens remains a top priority for the FBI, the Department of Justice, and our international law enforcement partners.”
Kowel also expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities, including the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, and the Ghana Immigration Service, for their collaboration in ensuring Kayode’s extradition.
The FBI reiterated its commitment to pursuing cybercriminals worldwide and bringing them to justice.
