News
FBI Captures Infamous Nigerian Fraudster Bobo Chicago in $2.8 Million Scam
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, also known by his alias Bobo Chicago, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly masterminding a large-scale scam that defrauded numerous companies and individuals of a staggering $2.8 million.
Bombata was apprehended on November 20 in Illinois, Chicago, and is currently facing a range of serious charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. His alleged fraudulent activities primarily targeted Nigerians living in the Houston metropolitan area, but his reach extended further as he later fled to Chicago to evade authorities.
The FBI traced the illicit funds over a period of time, leading to the discovery that more than $300,000 of the stolen money had been funneled into a popular liquor store, which became one of the focal points of the investigation. This financial diversion was part of a larger effort to launder the stolen funds and cover up the scheme. Authorities believe that Bombata used this and other methods to hide the money’s true origins and move it through different accounts and businesses.
Bobo Chicago, as he was known in his lavish lifestyle, had been living under the alias “Bola Flexx,” frequently flaunting his wealth in an extravagant manner, which now appears to have been funded by his fraudulent activities. As investigations continue, federal agents have gathered evidence linking Bombata to a variety of illegal operations designed to deceive businesses and individuals out of large sums of money. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, as many had previously been unaware of his involvement in criminal activities despite his public persona.
In addition to Bombata, his co-conspirator has also been arrested and is currently being held in custody as law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the broader network of individuals involved in this criminal enterprise. While the full extent of the operation remains under investigation, federal authorities are continuing to gather information that could lead to further arrests and charges.
Bombata’s arrest and the details surrounding his criminal activities are part of a troubling trend of Nigerians being implicated in high-profile financial crimes both domestically and internationally. His case joins a growing list of Nigerian nationals either serving time for criminal convictions or facing legal charges related to fraud, money laundering, and other illicit financial activities. This arrest not only sheds light on the scale of Bombata’s alleged fraud but also raises important questions about the broader implications for the Nigerian community in the diaspora, particularly in relation to organized financial crime.
As Bombata prepares for his transfer to Oklahoma to face additional charges, his case serves as a reminder of the increasing global reach of financial fraud and the efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb such criminal activity. The case also highlights the ongoing challenges in combating money laundering and wire fraud, which continue to affect both individuals and businesses worldwide
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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