The United States Bureau of Prisons has said it will probe jailed Nigerian fraudster Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi, after he organised a feat to celebrate the birthday of his friend and publicist, Tunde Adekunle, also known as Tunde Ednut, on January 22, 2024.
Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, after he was found to have committed massive fraud against the United States Government and some citizens.
He was sentenced to 11 years in prison after he was found guilty of money laundering. He was also ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.7 million in restitution to two fraud victims, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.
He was seen in a viral video that seemingly showed him holding a feast with others inside what was reported as his detention facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
“We take these matters seriously,” the prison facility said, adding that the “investigative department” would take charge of the inquiry to ascertain the facts— or lack thereof— about the viral video.
A video surfaced showing a feast of different foods, including jollof rice, pasta and soda drinks, in what appeared to be a prison 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 Hushpuppi.
“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.
