FBI Nabs Nigerian in $100K Wicked Ticket Scam Bust

FBI Nabs Nigerian in $100K Wicked Ticket Scam

In a striking crackdown on international cyber fraud, the FBI has arrested Ajibola Oduntan, a Nigerian-born Irish citizen, accused of masterminding a sophisticated $100,000 scam involving tickets to the hit Broadway musical Wicked. The scheme, targeting Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) during the show's 2023 Louisville run, underscores the rising threat of online ticket fraud and stolen credit card exploitation. As Oduntan faces federal charges, this case serves as a warning for arts organizations and consumers alike. Let's examine the details of the scam, the investigation, and what it means in the fight against digital crime.

The fraud involved Wicked's popular performances at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville from June 14 to July 2, 2023. Oduntan allegedly used multiple email addresses and stolen credit card information to buy hundreds of tickets through KPA's online system. These tickets were then quickly resold on secondary platforms like StubHub, allowing him to keep the profits before the fraud was uncovered.

Prosecutors detailed in the criminal complaint that one of Oduntan's email accounts alone was linked to buying and reselling 61 tickets, while a co-conspirator handled 77 more. The real damage to KPA came from chargebacks: credit card companies refunded the fraudulent purchases, leaving the arts organization out $100,000. Since many chargebacks occurred after the shows, KPA couldn't resell the seats, which worsened the losses. Over 18 months, Oduntan reportedly transferred a staggering $350,000 from his StubHub account to PayPal, suggesting this might be part of a larger operation.

This type of scam preys on the high demand for popular events like Wicked, where tickets sell out fast and resale prices soar. It highlights how cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in online ticketing systems, frequently utilizing international networks to evade detection.

Oduntan, who lived in Ireland, was detained by the FBI's Louisville cyber team in August 2025 when he arrived in the U.S. Investigators traced him to the fraud through a key lead: his phone number, which matched records on his StubHub account and visa waiver application. This digital trail enabled authorities to build a solid case.

Charged with wire fraud and conspiracy on September 3, 2025, in U.S. District Court, Oduntan pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. He's currently detained, with a jury trial scheduled for November 10, 2025. His New Jersey-based attorney has not commented publicly, and KPA has declined to speak on the ongoing investigation.

Ajibola Oduntan, who holds an Irish passport, is described as a Nigerian man operating from abroad, using global payment systems to carry out the scam. Although details about his personal background are limited, the case shows a pattern of using stolen identities and online anonymity to target U.S. organizations. This arrest adds to a series of high-profile cybercrimes involving international players, reminiscent of broader Nigerian-linked scams; however, authorities stress that this is an individual case.

The FBI's involvement underscores the agency's focus on wire fraud, which carries severe penalties—up to 20 years in prison per count reflecting the financial harm to victims like KPA, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing arts to the community.

This incident reveals the vulnerabilities in the ticketing industry, which faces billions of dollars in annual fraud costs. Experts advise purchasing from official sources, using secure payment methods, and checking credit statements for unauthorized charges. For organizations like KPA, using better fraud detection tools and working with law enforcement are essential.

As cyber threats evolve, cases like Oduntan's remind us of the importance of international cooperation in fighting online crime. The FBI's success shows that even complex scams can be uncovered through thorough investigation.