Afrobeat Superstar Davido is working on his past relationship with convicted con artists known as Hushpuppi and socialite Ramon Abbas.
In a recent interview with a podcast, David admitted his friendship, but claimed he was unaware of Hushpuppi’s fraudulent activities.
Despite the controversy over the former Instagram influencer, the “Awuke” singer has expressed sympathy and hope for his final release from prison in the US.
“Hushpuppi is coming out soon. He lived a life. For me, it’s not worth being locked up, but don’t make excuses for them (the con man).
The “30 Billion Gang” frontman also cited Nigeria’s intense economic struggle as a driving force behind the rise of illegal activities.
“In Nigeria, there is a kind of hardship you face, what will you be like? Let me ball for two years.
“People are like that. My prayers go out to him (Hushpuppi). He was my friend. I met him. I really didn’t know what he was doing.
In 2022, US District Judge Otis Wright II sentenced Hushpuppi to prison for more than 11 years of conspiracy to commit millions of dollars of fraud. The judge also ordered the two fraud victims to pay $1,732,841 in compensation.
Hushpuppi pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of a conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in June 2020 and has maintained federal custody since his expulsion from the UAE.
“Abbas boasted on social media about his gorgeous lifestyle, a lifestyle funded by his involvement in cross-border fraud and money laundering conspiracy targeting victims around the world,” said US lawyer Martin Estrada.
