Hushpuppi, also known as Ramon Abbas, a suspected Nigerian fraudster, has had his bail application denied in the United States despite his lawyer, Gal Pissetzky, asserting that his income as an Instagram celebrity covered the $10,000 monthly rent for his luxurious Dubai residence.
Although his defense team requested for his release with an electronic monitoring device to live with the uncle of his child’s mother, US prosecutors opposed the application. According to The National of the UAE, the prosecutors argued that Hushpuppi could easily engage in criminal activities with just a smartphone and internet connection, presenting a significant flight risk.
In response to the prosecution’s stance, Pissetzky contended that his client had too much at stake to flee from the United States.
During a remote hearing before Judge Jeffrey Gilbert in Chicago, Pissetzky stated,
“He is a respected and admired public figure.
“I fail to see why he would jeopardize his reputation and standing in the world by fleeing rather than confronting these allegations.
“Wherever he goes, he will be recognized. From a background of extreme poverty in Nigeria, Mr. Abbas now earns a living by showcasing high-end products like Louis Vuitton bags, which people purchase after viewing his Instagram posts.
“He is an influencer. In today’s world, that’s a profession, as difficult as it may be to grasp. It’s a full-time occupation.”
Subsequently, Judge Jeffrey Gilbert, via a prison video link, refused bail for Hushpuppi due to the perceived flight risk. Consequently, he ordered that the suspected fraudster be held in custody until being transferred to a court in California.