News

Lawyer to Dapo Abiodun’s aide speaks on $350,000 fraud allegations against client

Published

3 years ago

May 19, 2021

admin

Abidemi Rufai, an aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has spoken on his alleged involvement in a $350,000 COVID-19 unemployment fraud.

Mr Rufai was arrested by officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while trying to jet out of the U.S. around 7:45 p.m. on May 14.

His attorney, Michael Barrows of Garden City, New York, on Tuesday, said Mr Rufai denied “involvement in these transactions.”

Mr Barrows also said if granted bail, he (Rufai) “doesn’t represent a flight risk, in part because he has given up his passport.”

The lawyer argued that his client could be “prevented from fleeing through less restrictive means than having him remain in jail, including travel restrictions and electronic surveillance.”

Mr Barrows said those with more grievous allegations are released on self-recognisance.

“You have white-collar criminals [such as] insider traders who steal millions of dollars who are released on their own recognizance,” Mr Rufai’s lawyer was quoted as saying.

READ Insecurity: Group urges Buhari to reveal alleged sponsors of insurgency identified by Commodore Olawunmi

Rufai is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday. He is said to have violated Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (wire fraud).

He would face up to 30 years in prison, if found guilty.

Abidemi Rufai is accused of using the identities of more than 100 Washington residents to steal more than $350,000 in unemployment benefits from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

The suspect also allegedly bypassed security systems at the Employment Security Department using a simple feature of Google’s free Gmail service.

He was also “actively engaged in stealing and retaining the personal identifying information of American citizens,” FBI says.

Before making his Instagram account private, Mr Rufai had pictures of himself and other Ogun government officials posted online.

The suspect shared photos of his candidacy for the House of Representatives in 2019. His slogans read: “Ready and Committed to Serve with Trust and Ethics.”

READ Alleged $350,000 Fraud: Abidemi Rufai set for release on bail

He owns a sports betting organisation named Ecobet, and he is popularly described as “a young business turk,” “a philanthropist of note” and a “gregarious and enterprising dude” among his clicks.

News

UPDATED: Lawmakers exchange blows as Cross River assembly impeaches speaker

Published

1 hour ago

May 22, 2024

admin

Elvert Ayambem, speaker of the Cross River state house of assembly, has been impeached.

Ayambem was impeached during plenary on Wednesday over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation and incompetence.

The impeachment notice was signed by 17 members of the assembly.

There are 25 members in the Cross River assembly.

The motion for the impeachment was moved by Effiong Ekarika, lawmaker representing Calabar south 1 constituency, and seconded by Omang Charles of Bekwarra constituency.

A rowdy session ensued after Ayambem was impeached.

One of the lawmakers made a dash for the mace, which is the symbol of authority of the speaker.

However, the legislator with the mace refused to let go, resulting in a struggle, fisticuffs and a brawl in the chamber.

THE CASE AGAINST AYAMBEM

In the impeachment notice, the lawmakers alleged that Ayambem misappropriated N48 million meant for the payment of electricity bills of the assembly complex and quarters.

READ Insecurity: Group urges Buhari to reveal alleged sponsors of insurgency identified by Commodore Olawunmi

The lawmakers also alleged that the impeached speaker misappropriated 2 percent of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly to the tune of N404 million.

“Misappropriation of the sum of N19,437, 844.00 (Nineteen Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and forty-five Naira) from Local Government deduction and 11 months deductions which he allegedly failed to disclose to members,” the impeachment notice reads.

“Incompetence and wrong conduct of plenary proceedings: Un-parliamentary way of conducting proceedings.

“Appointment of members to move or second motions rather than allowing interested members to raise their hands.

“Non-compliance with the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.

“Arbitrary approval of expenditure in flagrant breach of the provisions of Section 9(1) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.

“Approvals beyond the limit which the Speaker can approve contrary to Section 9(10) of the Cross River State Legislature Funds Management Law 2021.”

READ ABIDEMI RUFAI: Court orders interim forfeiture of funds in banks and properties, including Lekki home

The lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice are Kingsley Ntui, Okon Owuna, Samuel Neji Abang, Cyril James Omini, Stanley Nsemo, Charles Omang Omang, Thomas Aruku, Eyo Bassey, Bassey Bassey Effiong, Francis Onete Ogban, Victor Nsa, Ovat Agbor, Pius Ashas Ashakia, Martins Achadu, Effiong Ekarika, Egbe Abeng Egbe, and Hilary Bisong.

In June 2023, Ayambem who represents Ikom 2 constituency, was elected speaker of the 10th assembly.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu appoints Shehu Mohammed as FRSC corps marshal

Published

2 hours ago

May 22, 2024

admin

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shehu Mohammed as the corps marshal and the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

In a statement on Wednesday, Segun Imohiosen, director of information in the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (AGF), announced the appointment.

Details later…

READ Oniduro mi: Atorise slams Tope Alabi

News

BREAKING: Cross River assembly impeaches speaker Elvert Ayambem

Published

5 hours ago

May 22, 2024

admin

Rt. Hon. Elvert Ekom Ayambem has been impeached as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The Speaker was impeached on Wednesday by 17 members of the house over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

The impeachment motion was moved by Hon. Effiom Ekarika representing Calabar South 1 Constituency and seconded by Hon. Omang Charles Omang representing Bekwarra State Constituency.

Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem was elected Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly in June 2023.

Ayambem represents Ikom 2 State Constituency in the Houses of Assembly.

More to follow…