Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aide, Abidemi Rufai, who was arrested for a $350,000 employment fraud in the US has been given indefinite detention.
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Tacoma made the order, following a denial of surety.
The Governor’s aide was denied bail when it was confirmed that his surety, Ms Nekpen Soyemi, is a fellow fraudster under investigation.
Abidemi Rufai was arrested at the US airport on May 14, when he was allegedly trying to flee the country to avoid arrest.
He was accused of identity theft of more than 100 Washington residents in unemployment benefits worth $350,000 from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
Rufai’s bail was denied following a move by the government for “a stay of the release order.” The order was granted by U.S. District Judge, Benjamin Settle.
“The release order is STAYED, and the defendant shall remain in custody pending this Court’s decision on the government’s motion for review,” the statement reads.
According to the report, Rufai will be detained and transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment on the indictment.
Rufai is now charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, nine counts of wire fraud, and five counts of aggravated identity theft.
Rufai was also accused of using various email addresses to commit his crime, linking him to many cities and to his private number.
His crime is punishable for at least thirty years.
