FBI seeks EFCC assistance to arrest two Nigerians over alleged $13 Million healthcare fraud

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track down and arrest two Nigerian citizens, Babatunde Shodiya (43) and Yinka Jamiu (31), accused of defrauding U.S. healthcare providers of $13 million through a fraudulent business email scheme.

The duo was declared wanted by U.S. authorities following an indictment by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for Minnesota on September 25, 2024.

According to U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger, Shodiya and Jamiu manipulated several Minnesota-based healthcare firms by creating a fake website and impersonating officials from Fairview Health, a large healthcare provider. The pair allegedly convinced employees to redirect payments meant for Fairview Health into fraudulent accounts controlled by them and their co-conspirators.

“As part of the scheme, Babatunde and Ahmed created a fake ‘spoofed’ internet domain designed to appear as though it was controlled by Fairview Health,” said Attorney Luger. He added that the fraudulent activities took place between October 2020 and 2024.

In total, the suspects are accused of redirecting over $13 million in payments intended for Fairview Health. Shodiya, in particular, faces additional charges of aggravated identity theft for impersonating key executives within the healthcare organization, including the CEO, executive vice president, and a business analyst.

Reports confirm that Shodiya and Jamiu are Nigerian citizens currently residing in Nigeria. U.S. officials have contacted the EFCC, requesting assistance in locating and apprehending the suspects. An anonymous EFCC official, speaking to People’s Gazette, confirmed the request and acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria in addressing cross-border crimes.

Shodiya and Jamiu reportedly exploited Optum Pay, a popular payment system used by Minnesota health service providers, by setting up a counterfeit website, fairviewhospitals.org.

Through this platform, they impersonated Fairview Health executives, tricking employees into providing login credentials, which were then used to divert payments.

The case highlights the growing concerns over cyber fraud and cross-border financial crimes, with Nigerian and U.S. authorities now working together to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The investigation is ongoing, with the EFCC expected to act on the request from U.S. officials in the coming days.