Adetunji Abudu, a Nigerian man who has been evading law enforcement for seven years, was arrested by the FBI as he attempted to re-enter the United States from Istanbul, Turkey. The FBI confirmed his capture on October 26, 2026, marking a significant development in a long-running investigation into fraud and money laundering activities that targeted elderly Americans.

Abudu originally fled the US in 2019 following a search of his home in North Providence, Rhode Island, conducted by the FBI. This search was part of a broader investigation into a scheme that allegedly involved the laundering of millions of dollars acquired through fraudulent operations run from Nigeria. Abudu is one of six individuals charged in connection with this case.

The FBI's announcement highlighted that Abudu's own decision to return to the US provided the opportunity for law enforcement to apprehend him. "Fugitive Adetunji Abudu, of Lagos, Nigeria, who fled the U.S. in 2019 after FBI Boston executed a court-authorized search of his residence in North Providence, RI, is now in custody after he attempted to re-enter the U.S. from Istanbul, Turkey," the bureau stated. The statement also noted that the fraudulent schemes primarily targeted elderly residents in the United States, exploiting their vulnerabilities for financial gain.

The investigation into Abudu and his co-defendants has revealed a complex web of fraud operations that have drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies. While details about the other five defendants remain undisclosed, their involvement in the alleged money laundering activities underscores the extensive nature of the fraud network.

Abudu's arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by the FBI and other agencies to combat international fraud schemes and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. As the case develops, further information regarding the charges against Abudu and his co-defendants is anticipated, shedding light on the full scope of their alleged criminal activities.