We’ve Been Trailing Gov. Abiodun’s Henchman, Bidemi Rufai Since 2017 – FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it has been on the case of Abidemi Rufai, a longtime ally of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, since 2017 for filing 652 fraudulent tax returns in the U.S.

FBI disclosure is contained in a latest court document.

Rufai, a top aide on special duties, was suspended by Abiodun after he was fingered by in a $650 million (N312 billion) employment fraud by the FBI

In the document, the Nigerian politician charged with “participating in a massive fraud on the United States” has been “doing this for years” and “this is what he does,” a U.S. official told the court recently.

The court heard how Rufai began his fraud schemes with “hurricane relief in 2017, filing false FEMA claims.” He was accused of filing 652 fraudulent tax returns, trolling the internet looking for U.S. programmes.

“He is a fraudster. And he does this while he is hiding behind a keyboard a thousand miles away. This is someone that the IRS has been trying to identify since 2017,” said the U.S. official. “We have now identified him, we have an overwhelming case against him, as the defence has 652, and we have him in custody.”

Rufai, through his counsel, is seeking less strict detention at the home of a relative instead in the U.S., but the U.S. authorities considered him a flight risk.

“We have an opportunity to hold him accountable for that … because this defendant has every incentive to flee. He has the capability to flee,” added the U.S. agent. “When he does flee, he’s going to go back, and he is going to do exactly the same thing he did again. Our next calamity,

“our relief efforts are going to be his next business opportunity.”

Court Remands Gov Abiodun’s Aide, Abidemi Rufai, Over $650 Million Job Scam
Rufai’s U.S. trial is set for August 31.

Last May, the Seattle Times reported that Rufai was arrested in New York as he attempted to flee the country.

Rufai appeared before a federal court Saturday on charges alleging he used the identities of more than 100 Washington residents to fraudulently receive over $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

A detention hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

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