Nigerian Onoriode Ezewu named on US most wanted list over alleged $1m fraud

A Nigerian national, Onoriode Ezewu, has been placed on the United States Department of Labour’s first-ever Most Wanted List over allegations of involvement in a money laundering scheme involving more than $1 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits.

The department’s Office of Inspector General unveiled the list on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, naming 16 fugitives wanted in connection with alleged offences involving more than $55 million in taxpayer funds.

According to the agency, Ezewu was charged in January 2021 with 15 counts of concealment money laundering linked to fraudulent Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims filed using stolen identities.

The alleged scheme also involved the US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme.

The department said Ezewu was arrested and made an initial court appearance but subsequently violated the conditions of his pre-trial release, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.

His profile on the Office of Inspector General’s website identifies him as wanted for concealment money laundering and states that he is believed to be residing in Nigeria.

The agency said the Most Wanted List was established to enlist the support of the public, media organisations and international partners in locating fugitives and recovering funds allegedly obtained through fraud involving department programmes.

Announcing the initiative, the department’s Inspector General, Anthony P. D’Esposito, said the list targeted 16 individuals accused of stealing more than $55 million from American taxpayers.

The department also announced the arrest of another person on the list, Leslie Kaciban, in Hungary. Kaciban is awaiting extradition to the United States over an alleged labour racketeering scheme involving approximately $4 million in illegal kickbacks.

The Office of Inspector General urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of individuals on the list to contact its investigators.

Ezewu has been charged with the alleged offences; the charges are not proof of guilt, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless convicted by a court.