Lawyer to Dapo Abiodun’s Aide Speaks on $350,000 Fraud Allegations Against Client

Michael Barrows, the attorney to Abidemi Rufai, an aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has said Mr Rufai denied ‘ involvement in these transactions’

Mr Barrows 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.

Abidemi Rufai was arrested at the JFK international airport over alleged involvement in a $350,000 COVID-19 unemployment fraud.

Mr 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.