Nigerian-Born U.S. Citizen Indicted for $690,000 Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, and False Statement in Citizenship Process

A Nigerian-born U.S. citizen, Oladapo Olakekan Fadugba, 40, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Florida on multiple charges, including wire fraud totaling $690,000, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement during the naturalization process.

The indictment, announced on Wednesday, April 23, by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida, alleges that Fadugba orchestrated a complex fraud scheme involving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds meant for a major healthcare provider. Between October 30, 2020, and July 11, 2023, Fadugba allegedly redirected over $690,000 in VA reimbursements into his personal bank accounts.

Prosecutors claim Fadugba used another individual’s identity to carry out the fraudulent transfers. He then reportedly wrote checks to himself or businesses under his control, subsequently moving the funds to other accounts he owned.

The indictment also accuses Fadugba of making a false statement under oath during his U.S. naturalization proceedings. Specifically, he allegedly denied having committed any crimes for which he had not been arrested, despite the alleged fraudulent activity.

If convicted on all charges, Fadugba faces up to 27 years in federal prison. The government is also seeking a forfeiture order of $400,000, representing the proceeds of the alleged criminal conduct.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations, with support from the U.S. Treasury OIG and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Lasry will lead the prosecution.

Authorities emphasized that an indictment is a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.