The U.S. authorities have announced an investigation into a viral video featuring an individual believed to be the convicted internet fraud kingpin, Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi.
The video purportedly shows him hosting a gathering with others inside what was reported to be his detention facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Hushpuppi is presently serving an 11-year sentence in the U.S. His associate and social media influencer, Tunde Adekunle, known as Tunde Ednut, marked his birthday on January 22.
Numerous fans and celebrities participated in the celebration across Nigeria and parts of the U.S. Subsequently, a video emerged depicting a lavish spread of various foods, including jollof rice, pasta, and soda drinks, within what seemed to be a correctional facility.
“Tunde Ednut, you can see that we are celebrating you in our own little way o,” said a voice which many Nigerians said belonged to Mr Abbas in the video that went viral on September 22.
“Fried rice is ready, Tunde Ednut birthday celebration. Jollof loading, pasta is here as you can see,” the voice continued as the person, who hid his face behind the camera, displayed a variety of delicacies on a white table.
The footage scrutinized by the People’s Gazette revealed a gray double bunk and a bed adorned with white sheets, features evocative of a prison setting. This fueled speculation that Mr. Abbas was enjoying himself while celebrating his friend’s birthday while incarcerated.
Nigerians familiar with Mr. Abbas’ voice insisted that he was indeed the individual depicted in the viral video. Mr. Abbas, aged 41, had been convicted for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar international fraud scheme in 2022.
However, the United States Bureau of Prisons informed the Peoples Gazette that the investigative department would take charge of determining the veracity, or lack thereof, of the viral video.
“We take these matters seriously,” the prison facility said, adding that its investigative department would take charge of the inquiry to ascertain the facts— or lack thereof— about the viral video.
Recall that Hushpuppi’s attempts to reduce his 11-year prison term hit a dead end as the Ninth Circuit Appeals Court in Los Angeles, U.S., dismissed his plea.
Hushpuppi, also known as Abbas, sought a review and a lighter sentence based on his conduct during incarceration, following his conviction in 2022 for money laundering and online scams totaling tens of millions of dollars, as reported by SaharaReporters.
Despite his efforts, including participation in educational programs and exemplary behavior like serving as one of the top sanitation workers in the prison, the appellate judges remained resolute in denying his appeal, as disclosed on January 19 by Molly Dwyer, the court’s clerk.
Meanwhile, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, alias Mr. Woodberry, an associate of Hushpuppi, petitioned the United States Court of Appeals to reduce his eight-year prison term, arguing that his sentence was incorrectly calculated.
Woodberry, who had pleaded guilty to one of the eight charges against him for wire fraud, agreed to forfeit $8 million in fraudulent proceeds along with luxury vehicles and timepieces.
Initially pleading not guilty, Woodberry was apprehended in Dubai on June 10, 2020, alongside Hushpuppi and was subsequently convicted in July 2023 for orchestrating scams that defrauded individuals and businesses of millions of dollars.