By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a cash reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of a Nigerian national accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar bank fraud scheme. The agency disclosed the move on Tuesday through its official website and social media platforms, urging members of the public both in the US and abroad to assist in locating the suspect.
According to the FBI, the suspect, whose identity has been released as part of its wanted bulletin, is believed to have played a central role in an elaborate cyber-enabled bank fraud network. Investigators allege that the network targeted financial institutions across several US states between 2022 and 2024, stealing funds through compromised accounts and fraudulent wire transfers.
The Bureau said losses connected to the scheme run into “tens of millions of dollars,” making it one of the most significant financial fraud cases linked to Nigerian suspects in recent years.
In its statement, the FBI stressed that the $10,000 reward is part of a broader effort to intensify cooperation with international partners in combating cybercrime and financial fraud. The Bureau called on individuals with credible information to reach out through its tip line, online reporting portal, or nearest US embassy.
“Fraud does not respect borders. We are committed to working with our partners worldwide to ensure perpetrators face justice,” the FBI statement read. “A reward of $10,000 is being offered for any information that leads directly to the suspect’s arrest.”
The case once again brings Nigeria-US security cooperation into focus. In recent years, both countries have partnered through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigeria Police Force to tackle cybercrime, money laundering, and internet fraud often referred to locally as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
Nigerian authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the FBI notice, but security analysts believe the EFCC will be expected to assist in tracking the suspect if he is within Nigerian borders.
“This is not the first time Nigerians have appeared on FBI wanted lists, and it won’t be the last unless stronger enforcement and deterrence mechanisms are put in place,” said Dr. Chike Onuorah, a criminology lecturer at the University of Lagos.
While the FBI announcement has reignited conversations around cybercrime, many Nigerians have expressed frustration that such cases damage the country’s global image. On social media, some commentators urged the government to invest more in digital literacy, employment creation, and cybersecurity awareness as preventative strategies.
“Every time something like this happens, ordinary Nigerians face stereotypes abroad. Government needs to do more to address root causes,” one X user posted in response to the news.
At the same time, advocacy groups have cautioned against painting all Nigerians with the same brush, emphasizing that only a small fraction are involved in fraud-related activities.
If apprehended, the suspect is expected to face trial in the United States under federal bank fraud statutes. Convictions in such cases can carry prison terms of up to 30 years per count, along with substantial financial penalties and asset forfeiture.
Legal experts say the extradition process could be lengthy if the suspect is in Nigeria, but under existing bilateral agreements, Abuja is obliged to cooperate in cases involving serious international crimes.
The FBI said the suspect is considered a flight risk and may be traveling under false identities. Investigators are urging banks, border agencies, and members of the public to remain alert.
With cybercrime increasingly crossing borders, experts stress that international collaboration will be key. For Nigeria, the case is a fresh reminder of the need to strengthen local enforcement and build public trust in financial systems.
For now, the $10,000 bounty underscores how seriously US authorities are pursuing the case, with the hope that financial incentives will lead to a breakthrough arrest.
