Authorities in the US have auctioned a Cartier watch and a gold chain necklace belonging to Abidemi Rufai, a former aide of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, who recently completed a jail term in the country. The valuable items were recovered from him during his arrest. The auction of the items was done to offset his judgement debt to the US government.
According to reports, Rufai was released from prison in November 2024, but his whereabouts remain unknown. Itis believed that he will most likely be deported to Nigeria.
Abidemi was sentenced on September 26, 2022, by the United States District Court for Western Tacoma in Washington for identity theft and wire fraud.Court documents revealed that he intended to steal over $2 million from the US government.
He confessed to committing the crime and defrauding 12 agencies in the US of $600,000 which was paid into bank accounts owned by him.
“The United States sold the watch and necklace via online auction through Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers, Appraisers, and Realty. The winning bids for the watch and necklace were $4,720.00 and $3,160.00, respectively. After payment of $64.41 shipping expenses and $728.90 (9.25 per cent) sales commission, the net proceeds were $7,086.69.”
“As instructed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Gaston & Sheehan sent the net proceeds to the Clerk of this Court via cheque. The Clerk received and processed the payment on December 20, 2022, applying $200.00 to Defendant’s special assessment and $6,886.69 to his restitution balance.”
After deducting that sum from his restitution payment, Abidemi Rufai remains indebted to the U.S. government to the tune of $597,573.31.