United States law enforcement authorities have arraigned Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a 43-year-old Nigerian national, following his extradition from Benin Republic. Raheem was arraigned in a federal court in Georgia on Monday, October 26, 2026. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Raheem and his co-conspirators submitted over 300 fraudulent tax returns between 2018 and 2023. They used stolen personal identifying information belonging to tax professionals and taxpayers. The indictment against Raheem was filed in a federal court in Georgia.
Prosecutors revealed that the illicit proceeds were directed onto prepaid debit cards and laundered through money orders, luxury items, and second-hand auction vehicles shipped to Nigeria. Raheem was remanded in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further court proceedings. His case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
Federal agents previously attempted to arrest Raheem at his Atlanta home in April 2026, but he evaded capture and fled to Benin via Mexico City. An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for Raheem. Local authorities in Benin arrested him on April 15, leading to his extradition to the United States on October 22.
Prosecutors added that co-defendant Abayomi Quadri Eletu was separately indicted in Texas and arrested in the United Kingdom. Extradition proceedings against Eletu remain pending in the UK. The US authorities have not disclosed further details about Eletu's case.
The alleged fraud scheme involved over $100m in fraudulent tax refunds. US authorities have been investigating Raheem and his co-conspirators since the case was first reported. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is leading the investigation.
Raheem's extradition from Benin Republic to the United States was facilitated by international cooperation between law enforcement agencies. His arraignment in a US federal court marks a significant step in the US government's efforts to prosecute individuals involved in large-scale tax fraud schemes.
Key points
- Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a 43-year-old Nigerian national, has been arraigned in a US federal court in Georgia over an alleged conspiracy to claim more than $100m in fraudulent tax refunds.
- Raheem and his co-conspirators submitted over 300 fraudulent tax returns between 2018 and 2023 using stolen personal identifying information.
- Raheem was extradited from Benin Republic to the United States on October 22, 2026, and is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
