The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly known as “Bobo Chicago” or “Bola Flexx,” for allegedly defrauding multiple companies and individuals of $2.8 million.
Bombata, infamous for his lavish lifestyle, was apprehended on November 20 in Illinois following a warrant issued in Oklahoma based on several criminal complaints and investigations into his activities.
The 25-year-old suspect, who had been a menace to Nigerians in the Houston metro area before relocating to Chicago, is accused of carrying out his fraudulent schemes between June and October 2023. After his arrest in Illinois, he was transferred to Oklahoma, where the alleged crimes occurred. He faces five federal charges: wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions. His co-conspirator is also in custody.
Investigators revealed that Bombata hacked into various corporate and personal accounts in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, amassing $2.8 million. He allegedly funneled over $300,000 of these funds to a liquor store in the United States, implicating the store owner in the process.
Judge Beth Jantz of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois approved his transfer to Oklahoma, where he will face trial. Despite his history of extravagance, Bombata claimed he lacked financial resources for a legal defense and was assigned a public defender, suggesting he may opt to serve prison time rather than contest the charges.
Bombata’s arrest adds to the growing list of Nigerian nationals implicated in high-profile fraud cases in the United States. The FBI has been cracking down on similar cases, including:
Hushpuppi: Arrested in Dubai in 2020 and extradited to the U.S., the social media influencer was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 11 years in prison for internet scams that defrauded U.S. companies of millions of dollars.
Mr. Woodberry: Sentenced to eight years and three months in 2023 after pleading guilty to one count of fraud, with seven other charges dropped in a plea deal.
Bidemi Rufai: An associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Rufai was convicted of fraud but released earlier this month.
The continued arrests highlight the FBI’s focus on dismantling international fraud networks and addressing crimes that impact U.S. businesses and individuals. Bombata’s case is a reminder of the severe consequences of cybercrime and fraud, which tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian diaspora abroad.
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