Nigerian Man Extradited Over Alleged $100m Tax Fraud
Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a 43-year-old Nigerian, has been extradited from the Republic of Benin to the United States to face federal charges over an alleged tax refund fraud scheme involving more than $100 million. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Raheem appeared in court on Monday, October 26, and was detained pending further proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that Raheem and others used stolen personal information to file hundreds of false tax returns with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The charges remain allegations, and Raheem is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Prosecutors Outline Alleged $100 Million Scheme
The US Justice Department said Raheem, who lived in Atlanta, allegedly worked with Abayomi Quadri Eletu and others between 2018 and 2023. Investigators say the group filed more than 300 fraudulent tax returns seeking over $100 million in refunds.
According to prosecutors, the information allegedly used included names, addresses and Social Security numbers belonging to tax professionals and American taxpayers. The defendants allegedly obtained some details through online IRS accounts and requests for private taxpayer information.
Authorities say the group directed refund payments to prepaid debit cards sent to addresses under its control.
How Investigators Say the Money Was Handled
The US Attorney’s Office said some alleged proceeds were moved through money orders and used to buy second-hand vehicles at auctions. Prosecutors say some vehicles were shipped to Nigeria, while other purchases included designer clothing and additional items.
The case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Raheem faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. A federal grand jury in Georgia indicted him on February 24, 2026.
Arrest in Benin and Extradition to the US
According to the Justice Department, federal agents tried to arrest Raheem at his residence in April 2026. Investigators said a man who identified himself as Raheem spoke through a video doorbell and told agents he was not home.
Authorities later learned that Raheem had booked a flight from Mexico City to Benin. He arrived on April 15 and was arrested by local authorities following an INTERPOL Red Notice, the US statement said.
Benin authorities extradited him to the United States the following week. The US Attorney’s Office described the transfer as the second extradition from Benin to the United States in history.
What Happens Next?
Raheem remains in the custody of the US Marshals Service while the case proceeds. If convicted, he faces maximum penalties of 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 20 years for money laundering and 10 years for access device fraud. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year sentence, according to prosecutors.
Eletu was separately indicted in the Western District of Texas on February 17, 2026, and later arrested in the United Kingdom, where extradition proceedings are ongoing.
The court process will determine whether the allegations against Raheem are proven. The Justice Department says an indictment is not proof of guilt, and prosecutors must establish the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
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