Sodiq Babatunde Rufai has come a long way from when he had a brush with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC that got him convicted with
Sodiq Babatunde Rufai has come a long way from when he had a brush with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC that got him convicted with a prison sentence for internet fraud.
Back in 2020, Babatunde who owns and promotes high end fashion store, Wear It All, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and obtaining money (fraud) by false pretence to the tune of $5,000 (about N2 million).
One of the counts reads: “That you, Babatunde Sodiq Rufai (a.k.a Richard Abben), on or about the 12th of December 2007 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division of this honorable court, with intent to defraud, used an email address richardabben@yahoo.com, wherein you represented yourself as an American citizen carrying out contractual business in Africa and obtained the sum of $5,000 property of an unsuspecting citizen of the United States of America, thereby committing an offense contrary to sections 278 (1),(2) and 285 (1) of Lagos State, 2011.”
He had pled guilty to the charges preferred against him by the EFCC and entering a plea bargain agreement.
The judge who presided over the case, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adopted the terms of the plea bargain and convicted him accordingly.
While delivering her judgment, she said, “I am mindful of this type of crime in our society, which is giving our country a bad image all over the world.”
Babatunde however walked free after paying an option of N400,000 fine which he paid to the account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the office of the EFCC, rather than get locked up behind bars for nine months
He also had to forfeit three of his exotic cars to the federal government.
Babatunde put all that behind him and trudged on. A year after, he held a re-launch of the flagship store of the brand in Lekki area of Lagos, following a major renovation.
Now exactly five years after his conviction, he has expanded the presence of the brand with the launch of a new boutique in Abuja.
The grand opening was a star-studded affair that brought together influential personalities from the fashion, entertainment, and business worlds. The new outfit which is designed with all the trappings of luxury is poised to offer the same top-tier fashion experience the brand is known for, curated luxury pieces, exclusive designer wear, and impeccable customer service tailored for Nigeria’s elite fashion lovers.
The brand’s entry into the Abuja market will no doubt mark another major milestone in Nigeria’s growing luxury fashion landscape.
