US court arraigns Nigerian Yahoo boy Akinade Raheem, extradited from Benin Republic, over $100m scam

A 43-year-old Nigerian, Akinade Adedeji Raheem, has been arraigned in the United States over an alleged $100 million tax refund fraud involving identity theft and money laundering.

According to Peoples Gazette, Raheem appeared before a US court on Monday, October 26, 2026, after being extradited from Benin Republic, where he reportedly fled to evade prosecution.

The US Department of Justice alleged that Raheem and his accomplice, Abayomi Quadri Eletu, conspired with others between 2018 and 2023 to steal taxpayers’ identities and submit fraudulent tax returns.

“Over the course of their scheme, they allegedly filed more than 300 false tax returns, claiming over $100 million in refunds from the IRS,” the DoJ said.

Prosecutors alleged that the suspects obtained sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, and directed fraudulent refunds into prepaid debit cards.

The proceeds were allegedly laundered through money orders, purchases of used vehicles shipped to Nigeria, and luxury clothing.

Raheem faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, money laundering, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg described the alleged operation as extensive.

“The scope of the alleged fraud is staggering,” he said.

Raheem faces up to 20 years in prison on certain charges if convicted, alongside additional penalties.

Authorities said his extradition marked only the second such transfer from Benin Republic to the United States.