Nigerian governor suspends aide arrested in US

A Nigerian politician arrested in connection with benefit fraud in the US has been suspended from his job.

A spokesman for Nigeria's Ogun state governor confirmed action was taken against Abidemi Rufai, telling BBC News Pidgin:

"Let the law take its course and let Rafiu answer the charges against him."

Mr Rufai, 42, has run for office in the past and had been working as a political aide to Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun until his suspension.

US authorities accuse Mr Rufai of using the stolen identities of more than 100 Washington residents to file fraudulent claims between March and August last year. They say more than $288,000 (£203,000) was deposited into a bank account controlled by him.

As far as the BBC understands Mr Rufai has made no comment.

He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Abidemi Rufai/Facebook