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Governor Abiodun’s Aide, Abidemi Rufai Sentenced To Five Years Imprisonment For $2.4million Wire Fraud

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Abidemi Rufai

Governor Abiodun’s Aide, Abidemi Rufai Sentenced To Five Years Imprisonment For $2.4million Wire Fraud

Abidemi Rufai

A United States District Court in Tacoma on Monday sentenced Abidemi Rufai, Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, to five years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Rufai, 45-year-old resident of Lekki, Nigeria, according to a statement issued by U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington signed U.S. Attorney Nick Brown, said was jailed for his attempt to steal nearly $2.4 million from the United States government, including approximately $500,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits,

 

 

According to the statement, Rufai admitted a long history of using stolen identities to defraud U.S. disaster programs, including aid for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and file fraudulent U.S. tax returns. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “The motivation was greed, unrestrained greed, and callousness towards those who have suffered.”

“Mr. Rufai was relentless in his scheme to use the stolen identities of Americans for fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.

 

 

“He orchestrated ‘mystery shopper’ scams, business email compromise attempts, and filed fake tax returns to financially harm individuals and businesses. But when disaster struck, so did Mr. Rufai. Whether it was hurricane disaster relief, small business loans, or COVID unemployment benefits, he stole aid that should have gone to disaster victims in the United States.”

”Abdemi Rufai chose to exploit the pandemic for personal gain, using stolen identities of Americans to support his lavish lifestyle overseas,” said Associate Deputy Attorney General Kevin Chambers, the Justice Department‘s Director of COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and their law enforcement partners did exceptional work bringing this defendant to justice. The Department will continue to pursue fraudsters who abused these programs and seek to recover their ill-gotten gains, whether they are in the United States or overseas.”

According to records filed in the case, since 2017, Rufai stole the personal identifying information of more than 20,000 Americans to submit more than $2 million in claims for federally funded disaster relief benefits and fraudulent tax returns. The various agencies involved paid out more than $600,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The largest amount of fraud was committed against the Washington State Employment Security Department, which paid out $350,763 in fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims to accounts controlled by Rufai. Rufai also submitted fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims in at least 17 other states.

“The Employment Security Department deeply appreciates the tireless efforts of the Department of Justice, federal agencies and law enforcement in this matter,” said Cami Feek, Commissioner for the Employment Security Department. “We always stand ready to hold those accountable who steal public funds and we appreciate the partnership in catching and prosecuting this individual.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rufai also defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) by attempting to obtain Economic Injury Disaster loans (EIDL) tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 8, 2020, and June 26, 2020, he submitted 19 fraudulent EIDL applications. SBA paid out $10,000 based on the applications.

Between 2017 and 2020, Rufai attempted to obtain more than $1.7 million in IRS tax refunds by submitting 675 false claims. The IRS paid out $90,877 on these claims.

 

 

 

 

 

Rufai’s efforts to exploit disaster in the United States did not start with COVID-19. In September and October 2017, he submitted 49 disaster relief claims connected to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. He filed $24,500 in false claims and was paid on 13 claims totaling $6,500.

In asking for a nearly six-year prison sentence Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang noted that Rufai’s scheme damaged real people who needed help. “In this case, Rufai successfully used the stolen identities of at least 238 real individuals who qualified for disaster aid and may have needed it urgently. This number does not account for the number of stolen identities Rufai attempted to use but failed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rufai has agreed to pay full restitution of $604,260 to the defrauded agencies, however he has not fully cooperated with efforts to identify and forfeit assets that could be used for restitution.

“Mr. Rufai did not care if the disaster was the pandemic or a hurricane, or if the victim was a hard-working American taxpayer, a small business, or the U.S. government,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “He could have used his influence to be a role model in his community. Instead, he stole the identities of Washington state residents and money meant for those in need.”

 

 

 

 

“Mr. Rufai said, ‘The choices we make are ultimately our responsibility,’ and he is correct. This sentence is a result of the culmination of choices he made funding his luxurious lifestyle. His fraud schemes began with filing fraudulent tax returns from stolen identities to pilfering economic aid designed to help disadvantaged workers and families suffering through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Seattle Field Office Special Agent in Charge Bret Kressin. “IRS-CI continues to provide our financial expertise to investigate large-scale fraud with our law enforcement partners.”

“Rufai used stolen personal identifying information of thousands of Americans in order to defraud more than $600,000 in government benefits, including approximately $350,000 from the Washington Employment Security Department. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who defrauded unemployment insurance programs during the global health crisis,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles Region.

 

 

 

 

 

Abidemi Rufai has been in custody since his arrest at New York’s JFK airport in May 2021. The Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office assisted with detention hearings following Rufai’s arrest.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the United States Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD).

 

 

 

 

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Seth Wilkinson of the Western District of Washington.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.

 

 

 

 

“Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web.

Crime

“ Life Has Been Hard For Us” – Widow Of Murdered LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro Cries Out

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The widow of Idowu Keshinro, the murdered Ota Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA staff has cried out for justice following the gruesome killing of her husband whom she had three children with.

The widow, Funke Keshinro stated that since her husband was killed, life has not been the same for her and the children because the deceased was the breadwinner of the family.

She revealed that she had to change the schools of the children because it’s been difficult to afford the private schools their father had enrolled them in before he died.

‘’Since my husband died, life has not been easy at all because when he was alive, he never joked with his children but now, it’s just me alone and it’s not easy. Since he died, I had to change the schools of the children to government-owned schools from private schools because I can’t continue all he used to do.’’

While speaking on what she wants from the government, Funke asserted that she wants justice for deceased husband. She mentioned that she doesn’t want the person that killed her husband to live because there are rumours that the arrested suspect would be released at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

Some of the suspects involved in this murder include Mukaila Salau, Tiamiyu Ahmed, Waliu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, Akande Ahmed Omogbemi, Abubakar Suleiman Mayaki, and others who are currently at large.

Funke tearfully noted that the children can’t recognize their father because they are still small, explaining how it’s been difficult raising them alone because their father’s life was cut short.

“I want the government to please fast-track justice; the person that killed him should also die. I want justice and nothing more. We have heard that they have arrested some people but we are waiting for judgement. I want a judgment that would be good for the three children and me. These children cannot even recognize their father because they are still young and I have also heard they want to release some of those who were arrested. Please, the government should help me, everyone that knows about my husband’s death should be judged accordingly.”

Meanwhile, in a petition dated October 18th 2024 written to the attorney general of Lagos state, it was noted that the suspects that have been arrested are currently boasting that they will be released at the next court sitting. They had been arraigned at Ogba Magistrate court on two occasions for their involvement in the murder of Idowun Keshinro.

The family of the deceased however, in the petition, called on the Lagos state government and Ministry of justice to ensure justice isn’t perverted for the sake of the deceased family and the peace of the community.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

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Crime

Family Appeals To Governor Sanwo-Olu For Justice Over Murder of LCDA Staff, Idowu Keshinro

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The family of late Idowu Keshinro, a former staff member of the Agbowa Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ota Ikosi Ejinrin, has made an urgent appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following fears that justice may not be served.

Although, suspects including popular land grabber, Abubakar Suleiman Miyaki, Mukaila Salau, Tiyamiyu Ahmed, Waltu Suleimon, Ibrahim Ekemode, and others have been arrested and arraigned before Ogba Magistrate court, the family of the deceased have claimed that there are ‘secret’ moves to free them unconditionally even though there is evidence that confirms the direct involvement of the suspects in the murder of Idowu Keshinro.

In a petition written to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the deceased’s elder brother, Akeem Keshinro explained that other suspects that are at large have been making boast of having connections with the attorney general of Lagos whom they claim will assist in releasing the arrested suspects unconditionally at the next court sitting slated for November 26.

‘’It is our further brief that; other persons who are still at large with their syndicate are now intensifying efforts to ensure that they and the aforementioned persons escape justice by way of perversion of the cause of justice in respect of the subject matter.’’

‘’Furthermore, we have the brief of our client that the said persons and one KABIRU ABUBAKAR SULAIMON who is a brother to one of the defendants in the said charge continue to boast that the defendants would be released unconditionally as they claim to have connection to few politicians who would lead them to the office of the Attorney General and or have enough money to access same so as to ensure the Attorney General exercises his prerogative powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to release the Defendants in the above charge unconditionally’’

‘’We believe that the office of the Attorney General is dignifiedly sacred and clothed with Honour and same deserves utmost respect or regard from all and sundry as the case maybe. The noise cum brag of the aforementioned persons to pervert cause of justice at all cost in the above mentioned charge has now become deafening in the circumstance of our client thereof Our client and members of his family are hapless and continue to live in perpetual despair and would suffer untoward agony in the event the above mentioned persons make do of their boast and intention to escape justice in respect of the said charge’’, the petition reads in part.

Furthermore, while speaking with journalists, Akeem Keshinro revealed that he can no longer sleep in his home again due to the different threats he has received for seeking justice over his brother’s death. He stated that he only stays in his house during the day but flees his home at night.

Also, Aslam Ibrahim, the youth leader in the community narrated that they were celebrating Easter at the palace when the incident happened. He made it known that they are after his life and can’t conduct his daily business freely over his involvement in seeking justice.

‘’We were celebrating Easter when the incident happened. We suddenly saw people with guns and we all ran from the palace. On the fateful day, Idowu passed by us on his way to the farm before we heard he was killed. They have been calling their family members and they have gone to the attorney general’s office to release them. I can’t work freely in the community because cultists have been all over me, I am begging the government to please help us.’’

Likewise, another victim of the suspects’ gruesome acts, Saula Lateef, an elderly man, narrated how he was beaten to a pulp by the miscreants who were confirmed to be Miyaki’s boys/

‘’I went to my site on Easter Day before deciding to go to the palace. On my way to the palace, I saw everywhere scattered and unfortunately for me, I walked into the midst of Miyaki’s boys who came to cause mayhem. I was held and beaten so much that till now, I am still unable to walk. It was a MOPO who was among them that asked them to leave me. It was few hours later that I was told that they killed Idowu Keshinro who was well known to us. Among those I saw was Mukaila, Hakeem Lawal, Jamiu Adeleja, Ahmed Tiamiyi, Ibrahim Ekemode, Walia Ojoge, Fowomeye, and others that are agents of Miyaki. We want to appeal to Governor Sanwoolu to ensure that justice is served because we are not safe here. They still have boys around and they are only waiting for those in prison to be released before they strike again.’’

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Crime

Update on Amen Estate Ownership: More of Babatunde Gbadamosi’s Lies Expose, all the dirty details

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Claims made by Lagos politician, Babatunde Gbadamosi over ownership of Amen Estate and it’s holding company has been debunked by inside sources.

An insider disclosed: “Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi is a vocal but a deceptive social media activist and politician whose writings and posts often attack the establishment. It is rather contemptuous that a person who consistently calls for justice for his political party is full of lies and fakery.

“Mr. Gbadamosi’s inability to let go of Redbrick Homes demonstrates how unhinged he has become.”

“While Redbrick Homes’ lawyers have issued a press release disclaiming Mr. Gbadamosi and his claim of ownership over Amen Estate, Phases 1 and 2, and Ashlead Homes, it is crucial to inform the public that Gbadamosi has resigned as a director and left the company, since July 2021, said the source”

Letter from the lawyers

“As stated by Redbrick Homes in 2022, Gbadamosi was never an active director. He was a passive participant who left the company of his own free will.

“At the time, Gbadamosi was married to Sade Balogun, the true owner of Redbrick Homes and Amen Estate. He made his choices and followed them.

Gbadamosi’s Resignation letter

According to the insider, “when Gbadamosi left, he signed a document in which some of his demands for spousal settlement were met. He asked for four cars and some money in dollars. He was paid the 1st instalment and given some acres of land in Epe. However, after receiving the initial deposit, Gbadamosi almost immediately greedily breached the terms of the agreement.”

“Perhaps Gbadamosi, who fancies himself an important politician, has forgotten that there are documents bearing his signature and evidence of his settlement.” She noted.

According to our source: “Ms. Balogun, then, Mrs Gbadamosi may be the only woman in Nigeria who has paid such a large spousal settlement just to protect her children, company, and clients from potential embarrassment, knowing what a character like Mr. Gbadamosi is capable of.”

“It might surprise you to know that Gbadamosi even discredited the companies on their own websites. How can someone discredit something he claims to own? It got to the point where he responded to his daughter’s comment on Amen Estate’s Google page with a scathing tone, saying nasty things about the estate he now claims as his. What kind of father does that, and how more devious and delusional can a person get?”

The public must be reminded that Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates belong to Ms. Folasade Balogun.

Anyone can verify this at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“Gbadamosi is a low-life impostor whose mischief and determination to bring down Redbrick Homes have become his life’s mission. However, he will not succeed because Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates are thriving and remain one of the leading and most credible property developers in Nigeria,” the insider source said.

Marriage certificate to new wife

Another company source questioned why Babatunde Gbadamosi “seems to have a dead conscience: This is a man who left his marriage only to impregnate and marry another woman. Did he really think he could destroy his marriage and also take possession of his wife’s properties? May God forgive him,” she said.

The source revealed that: “Gbadamosi was married to the said woman while still married to Sade. He cannot deny this because the marriage certificate is there for all to see. Infact, even me, I’ve seen the document. That man is very dubious , you know. He has the audacity to still be claiming Sade’s company assets as marital assets. Shouldn’t he be asking his current wife for upkeep or has she dumped him after discovering what a liar he is?” the source smirked.

Lawyers representing Redbrick Homes International Limited, Amen City Ltd, and Ashlead Estates, Babalakin & Co., have issued a press statement clarifying that Mr. Gbadamosi made false claims in every respect, as he had voluntarily relinquished his shareholding interests and resigned as a director in these companies since July 2021.

Babalakin & Co., representing Redbrick and Ms. Folasade Balogun, have refuted Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi’s social media claim that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 on Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, belong to him.

Sade Balogun: Chairman/CEO Redbrick Homes

Their statement reads:

“We are solicitors to Redbrick Homes International Limited (Redbrick), Amen City Ltd, Ashlead Estates Ltd (Ashlead), and Ms. Folasade Balogun (formerly Mrs. Folasade Gbadamosi). Our attention has been drawn to a social media post authored by Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi.

“In his post, Mr. Gbadamosi claims that Amen Estate and Amen Estate Phase 2 of Eleko Beach Road, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, are assets of Redbrick and Ashlead. He further states that these companies belong to him and Ms. Balogun. This information is entirely false, and we advise the public to ignore it.

“Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi voluntarily relinquished his entire shareholding interest in Redbrick and Ashlead and resigned as a director of these companies as far back as July 2021 under a notarized legal instrument. He has no interest whatsoever in these companies or any of their assets, including Amen Estate, Amen Estate Phase 2, TIARA, Emerald Bay, Emerald Park, and Amen City.

“His resignation and shareholding relinquishment have been duly filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission and are available for public verification. None of these assets are listed as ‘marital assets’ in the ongoing litigation between Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi and Ms. Sade Balogun.”

It is also worth recalling that on February 26, 2022, Redbrick Homes management published a notice in Punch to clarify to all investors and potential investors that Mr. Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi is no longer associated with Redbrick Homes International Ltd or its real estate projects.

“For clarity, Mr. Gbadamosi, a full-time politician, was once a passive partner and shareholder, without any financial investment, and one of the directors of Redbrick Homes International Ltd. He has since voluntarily transferred all his shares and resigned from its board as of July 1, 2021.

“The board composition, shareholding structure, and share capital of Redbrick Homes International Ltd have completely changed. Ms. Folasade Balogun remains the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position she has held since the company’s inception. Under her leadership, Redbrick Homes International Ltd continues to deliver quality service to its customers without interruption.

These facts can easily be verified at the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the public notice concluded.

Meanwhile customer said “Babatunde Gbadamosi keeps nagging us non stop privately via WhatsApp chats. This is a ridiculous invasion of privacy. At first, it was trying to get us to buy some land he claimed to own at Sangotedo. And now it’s to keep making ludicrous allegations against his ex-wife who has moved on. Why can’t he leave us alone? Why can’t he also move on and leave us out of all these? I thought he remarried and just had a new baby!” An exasperated staff exclaimed!

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