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General News of Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

'I can't be held responsible' - Gov Abiodun on arrest of SSA Abidemi Rufai

Governor Abiodun and his aide Abidemi Rufai Governor Abiodun and his aide Abidemi Rufai

 • Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties, Abidemi Rufai

 • Abidemi Rufai was arrested in New York by the FBI

 • He is alleged to be involved in a $350m unemployment benefits fraud in respect of coronavirus pandemic

Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties, Abidemi Rufai after news broke of his arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in New York.

Rufai was picked up at the JFK Airport on Friday, May 14 over his involvement in a $350m unemployment benefits fraud in respect of the COVID–19 pandemic.

Speaking through Kunle Somorin, his Chief Press Secretary, the Governor said the news of his aide's involvement in fraud is disturbing.

The statement, however, said the “Governor cannot be held responsible for the actions of a full-grown adult.”

According to him: “We received the very disturbing news of the arrest of one of the governor’s political appointees, Mr. Abidemi Rufai in New York over alleged unemployment benefits and fraud in the United States, this morning.

“While the Governor cannot be held responsible for the actions of a full-grown adult, especially outside the jurisdiction of Ogun and Nigeria, he has since suspended the suspect from office to enable him answer the charges levelled against him.

“The Governor wishes to condemn any act capable of undermining his determination to institute an open, transparent, accountable and morally upright behaviour in the State and in governance.

“Gov. Abiodun remains committed to his agenda of building our future together and will not condone criminals either in his government or the state in general.”