Gov Abiodun suspends aide, Abidemi Rufai over alleged $350,000 fraud in US

Following the arrest of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aide, the governor has ordered the suspension of his Senior Special Assistant, Abidemi Rufai, over his involvement in wire fraud in the United States of America.

Speaking with newsmen on the telephone, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, confirmed the development.

Somorin confirmed that Rufai is an appointee of the Ogun State Government, saying Abiodun cannot be held responsible for his conducts.

“I can confirm that he (Abidemi Rufai) is a political appointee of Gov Abiodun and we are disturbed by the news. His suspension has been ordered. That I can confirm to you.

“The governor cannot be held responsible for his conduct. He has been suspended to answer charges. He is presumed innocent. He should face the law and answer the charges against him,” Somorin said.

READ ALSO: Dapo Abiodun’s aide Abidemi Rufai arrested in the US over $350,000 million unemployment fraud

Recall that we earlier reported that on Friday, Rufai was arrested at JFK Airport in New York for allegedly stealing over $350,000 through wire fraud in Washington.

The government of Washington had set aside the funds as unemployment benefits for residents during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The 42-year-old Abidemi Rufai disguised as Sandy Tang, 42, to perpetrate fraud and was reported to have made his initial appearance on Saturday, May 15, 2021, in New York.