FBI Arrests Nigerian Fraudster Oluyomi Omobolanle “Bobo Chicago” for $2.8 Million Scam
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently arrested Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, known as Bobo Chicago, a notorious 25-year-old Nigerian fraudster, for allegedly defrauding companies and individuals of $2.8 million.
Bobo Chicago, also referred to as “Bola Flexx” due to his flashy lifestyle, was apprehended on November 20 in Illinois, Chicago. His arrest followed an Oklahoma-issued warrant based on a series of criminal complaints and an ongoing investigation into his fraudulent activities.
The scam targeted the Nigerian community in the Houston metropolitan area before Bobo Chicago fled to Chicago. He was later extradited to Oklahoma, where he faces five serious charges: wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. These offenses occurred between June and October 2023.
The FBI has tracked the movement of the $2.8 million in fraudulent funds, which Bobo Chicago allegedly obtained by hacking into various company and individual accounts in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The investigation further revealed that he transferred over $300,000 in illicit funds to a well-known liquor store, implicating its owner in the scam.
Judge Beth Jantz of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois approved his transfer to Oklahoma to face the charges. Bobo Chicago, claiming financial difficulties, has been assigned a public defender, suggesting he may opt for serving time instead of funding a lengthy defense.
This arrest adds Bobo Chicago’s name to a growing list of Nigerians involved in major fraud schemes. The FBI has also pursued other high-profile Nigerian fraudsters such as Hushpuppi and Mr. Woodberry. Hushpuppi, arrested in 2020 and convicted in 2022, received an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding U.S. companies, while Mr. Woodberry was sentenced to over 8 years after pleading guilty to a major fraud case.
In a related development, Bidemi Rufai, a convicted associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, was released earlier this month after serving time for fraud activities.