A former aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Abidemi Rufai has been released from prison in the United States of America (USA).
Rufai, 47, was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in Fort Dix, New Jersey, on November 15, 2024, according to correctional records obtained by The Gazette.
Having completed his sentence, Rufai is now preparing for deportation to Nigeria as outlined in his plea agreement.
His Nigerian passport was returned to him on October 21, 2024, after he filed a motion for a reduced sentence.
Rufai had pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges of tax fraud and aggravated identity theft, forfeiting his right to contest deportation.
Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including 100,000 pages of documentation, leading to his conviction on two counts of fraud. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison, with the terms running concurrently.
Originally set for release on February 14, 2025, Rufai was granted early release following a judge’s approval of his motion under revised sentencing guidelines. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons waived the remaining three months of his sentence.
Rufai was ordered to pay $607,000 in restitution to U.S. government agencies and faced additional penalties in Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured court orders to seize his Lekki mansion and freeze his bank accounts as part of separate fraud charges.
Known as “Elele Ruffy,” Rufai was infamous for orchestrating Internet fraud schemes in Lagos and Ogun States before expanding his operations to the United States, where he was eventually apprehended.
He served his sentence in the same prison as convicted cybercriminals Ramon Abbas, alias “Hushpuppi,” and Jacob Ponle, alias “Mr Woodberry,” who remain incarcerated in the U.S.