FBI Arrests Alleged Nigerian Fraudster Known as ‘Bobo Chicago’ for $2.8 Million Scam
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The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended a 25-year-old Nigerian, Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, also known as “Bobo Chicago,” for allegedly orchestrating scams amounting to $2.8 million. Bombata, who also goes by the nickname “Bola Flexx” due to his extravagant lifestyle, was arrested on November 20 in Chicago, Illinois, following a warrant issued in Oklahoma.
The arrest came after multiple criminal complaints and an investigation revealed his involvement in fraudulent schemes. Bombata reportedly targeted members of the Nigerian community in the Houston metropolitan area before relocating to Chicago.
Charges and Investigation
Bombata has been extradited to Oklahoma, where he faces five charges, including:
- Wire fraud
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Engaging in unlawful monetary transactions
The alleged crimes occurred between June and October 2023. According to investigators, Bombata hacked into accounts belonging to companies and individuals in Oklahoma’s Eastern District, fraudulently obtaining $2.8 million.
Authorities also uncovered a transaction in which over $300,000 in stolen funds were sent to a liquor store, implicating the store owner in the scheme.
Legal Proceedings
Judge Beth Jantz of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois approved Bombata’s transfer to Oklahoma to face the charges. Bombata, claiming financial hardship, has been assigned a public defender, suggesting he may opt to serve a sentence rather than pursue a costly legal battle.
Broader Context: Nigerians in Fraud Cases
Bombata’s arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving Nigerian nationals charged with major fraud schemes in the U.S.
- Hushpuppi: Arrested in Dubai in 2020 and later extradited to the U.S., he was sentenced in 2022 to 11 years in prison for defrauding multiple U.S. companies.
- Mr. Woodberry: Sentenced to over eight years in prison in July 2023 after pleading guilty to fraud charges.
- Bidemi Rufai: A former associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Rufai was recently released after serving time for his involvement in fraud-related crimes.
The FBI continues to intensify its efforts to track down individuals involved in global cybercrime, ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
