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 captures a celebration, including a feast, inside what is reported to be his detention facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Currently serving an 11-year sentence in the U.S., Hushpuppi’s ally and social media influencer, Tunde Adekunle, celebrated his birthday on January 22. The celebration, attended by fans and celebrities in Nigeria and parts of the U.S., was highlighted by a video showing a variety of foods in what appeared to be a jail facility, including jollof rice, pasta, and soda drinks.

Birthday Bash of Hushpuppi in Detention

In the viral video from September 22, a voice believed to be Hushpuppi’s mentions, “Tunde Ednut, you can see that we are celebrating you in our own little way.” The video showcases different delicacies on a white table, with features resembling a prison interior, fueling speculations about Hushpuppi enjoying a lavish celebration behind bars.

Despite efforts by Hushpuppi to reduce his sentence, the Appeals Court for the Ninth Circuit in Los Angeles dismissed his application, stating that the prison’s investigative department would look into the authenticity of the viral video. Hushpuppi, convicted in 2022 for his role in a multimillion-dollar international fraud scheme, had sought a review and reduced sentence, emphasizing his improved behavior and active participation in prison educational courses and facility cleaning.

However, the appellate judges remained firm in their decision, denying his appeal on January 19. Meanwhile, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, an ally of Hushpuppi, has recently requested a reduction in his eight-year jail term, arguing that the sentence was wrongly calculated. Woodberry, convicted in July 2023 for engaging in a fraudulent scheme known as Business Email Compromise, pleaded guilty to one count and agreed to surrender $8 million in proceeds, luxury cars, and watches. Both Hushpuppi and Woodberry were arrested in Dubai on June 10, 2020.