The United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Susan Lehr, has announced the extradition of Abiola Kayode, 37, from Ghana to the United States. Kayode faces a 19-count indictment over his alleged involvement in a $6 million business email compromise (BEC) fraud scheme between January 2015 and September 2016.
Kayode, listed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Cyber Criminal List, is accused of orchestrating fraudulent activities that targeted businesses in Nebraska and beyond. According to the indictment, Kayode and his co-conspirators used spoofed email accounts to impersonate high-ranking executives of targeted companies.
The fraudulent emails directed employees to initiate wire transfers, leading to significant financial losses. Kayode allegedly provided bank account details to the co-conspirators, facilitating the transfer of stolen funds to accounts controlled by the group.
The accounts used in the scheme reportedly belonged to victims of internet romance scams, who were manipulated into transferring funds.
International Collaboration
Kayode was arrested in Ghana in April 2023 following a U.S. extradition request. Ghanaian authorities approved the extradition, and FBI agents escorted Kayode to Nebraska, where he made his initial court appearance on December 11, 2024.
Sentences of Co-Conspirators
Several of Kayode's co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced:
- Adewale Aniyeloye: Sentenced to 96 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,570,938.05 in restitution.
- Pelumi Fawehinimi: Sentenced to 72 months in prison and restitution of $1,014,159.60.
- Onome Ijomone: Received a 60-month sentence and restitution of $508,934.40 after extradition from Poland.
- Alex Ogunshakin: Sentenced to 45 months in October 2024 after extradition from Nigeria.
Other suspects remain at large, but the FBI has reiterated its commitment to bringing all involved to justice.
FBI’s Statement
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel stated:
“Dismantling cyber-criminal groups that victimize U.S. citizens is a priority for the FBI, DOJ, and our international law enforcement partners. To the remaining co-conspirators: we are coming for you.”
International Cooperation
The case underscores the importance of global collaboration in combating cybercrime. The FBI acknowledged the support of Ghana’s Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, and Ghana Immigration Service in securing Kayode’s extradition.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
Kayode remains detained pending trial as U.S. authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the cybercrime syndicate.
