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Gov Abiodun’s Ex-aide Pleads Guilty To $350,000 Fraud In US
Published
3 years agoon
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Abidemi Rufai, a former Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has pleaded guilty to his role in a $350,763 heist in the United States.
According to The Seattle Times, 45-year-old Rufai pleaded guilty on Tuesday in US District Court in Tacoma to charges that he used stolen Social Security numbers and other personal data to file $350,763 in fake claims for pandemic unemployment benefits in 2020.
The medium also quoted the US Attorney’s Office in Seattle as saying that Rufai pleaded guilty to stealing benefits from other states, as well as another $250,000 from other federal programmes.
From 2017 and 2020, Rufai filed fraudulent claims for $1.7 million in federal tax refunds, of which $90,877 was paid out.
Rufai has agreed to repay the stolen funds, though it wasn’t clear how he would make payments or whether his agreement meant he still had access to the stolen funds.
“He has agreed to disclose all of his assets and to cooperate in US government efforts to recover on those assets,” U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Emily Langlie said in an email Wednesday. “At this point we don’t know what kind of recovery will result.”
Rufai, who has been in custody since his May 2021 arrest at New York’s Kennedy International Airport as he was about to fly to Nigeria, was Abiodun’s aide.
The governor had suspended him and called for thorough investigation into the matter.
EFCC declares 59 wanted over N435bn, $397m, €9.9m frauds
Last August, a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, had ordered the interim forfeiture of the funds and properties traced to Rufai.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Ogun Govt Suspends Commissioner Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
Justice Tijjani Ringim made the order sequel to an ex parte motion filed and argued by a counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ebuka Okongwu.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the US Department of Justice, District of Washington said Rufai used the pseudonym Sandy Tang and the stolen identities of more than 100 Washington residents to file fraudulent claims with Employment Security Department for unemployment benefits last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The criminal complaint also said Rufai mailed some of the proceeds of his fraud to the Jamaica and New York addresses of his relatives with more than $288,000 deposits between March and August 2020.
Rufai risks 30 years in prison for wire fraud.
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Things To Know About Late Ex-IG Solomon Arase
Published
11 minutes agoon
August 31, 2025By
Editor
The late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.
The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.
He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday
Here are 20 key highlights from his life and career:
1. Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline
2. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.
3. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead
4. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.
5. He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.
6. Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.
7. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.
8. Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.
9. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Sacks Police Service Commission Chairman, Arase, Makes Replacement
10. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.
11. He introduced reforms including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.
12. He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.
13. He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.
14. He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.
15. He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.
READ ALSO:Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death
16. Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.
17. He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.
18. The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.
19. He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.
20. Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Arase died earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Arase was 69 years old.
Confirming his death in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said, “The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”
IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging the ex-IG’s indelible contributions to police reform and national security.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead
Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly educated officer with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Arase was appointed as IGP in April 2015 and served until his retirement on June 21, 2016.
Explaining his impact, the statement read, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.
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“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”
“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”
IGP Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Force Arase’s families.
Egbetokun described his passing as a “deep pain” to the force, praising his professionalism, bravery, and leadership.
News
JUST IN: BBNaija Season 7 Winner, Phyna, Loses Sister, Ruth Otabor After Accident
Published
2 hours agoon
August 31, 2025By
Editor
The sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, Ruth Otabor is dead.
The family announced her death on Sunday through a statement by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, saying Ruth passed on to glory on Sunday, at about 6:30 a.m.
“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30Hrs,” the statement read.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Oldest Missionary To Nigeria, Ruth Elton, Is Dead
The family added that they are grieving and requested privacy to mourn Ruth.
“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate to be given a private moment to mourn the departed.
“The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement added.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead
Ruth had suffered a tragic accident just weeks earlier.
She underwent a leg amputation after being hit by a truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Eyewitnesses said the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg before it was eventually stopped by a bystander.
The accident occurred only six days after Ruth graduated from Auchi Polytechnic. Her sudden death has left the family and fans in mourning.
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