U.S. Bureau to Investigate Hushpuppi’s Birthday Celebration in Detention Facility
The United States Bureau of Prisons has announced an investigation into Nigerian convict, Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abbas, who is currently serving an 11-year sentence. This decision follows a viral video purportedly showing Abbas hosting a feast with others inside what was reported as his detention facility at Fort Dix, New Jersey, as reported by Peoples Gazette. The prison facility stated that they are taking the matter seriously, and their investigative department will lead the inquiry to verify the facts surrounding the viral video. The incident occurred amidst the birthday celebration of Hushpuppi’s associate and social media influencer, Tunde Adekunle, a.k.a Tunde Ednut, on January 22, 2024.
While the birthday was celebrated by fans and celebrities in Nigeria and parts of the United States, the emergence of the video depicting a feast with various foods, including jollof rice, pasta, and soda drinks, raised concerns about activities within the detention facility.
In the viral video dated January 22, a voice, purportedly Hushpuppi’s, was heard saying, “Tunde Ednut, you can see that we are celebrating you in our own little way.” The voice continued to announce the availability of fried rice and the forthcoming arrival of jollof rice and pasta as the camera panned over a variety of delicacies displayed on a white table. The footage, analyzed by The People Gazette, revealed a grey double bunk and a bed covered in white sheets, features reminiscent of a prison interior. This fueled speculation that Abbas was indeed celebrating his friend’s birthday behind bars.
Nigerians familiar with Abbas’ voice insisted that he was the individual featured in the viral video. Abbas, aged 41, was convicted for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar international fraud scheme in 2022. Following his arrest in Dubai, he was extradited to the US to face charges for his crimes. During the initial years of his incarceration, Abbas engaged in prison educational courses and actively participated in cleaning facilities, notably excelling as a toilet cleaner, in hopes of earning a reduced sentence. However, on January 19, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Los Angeles dismissed Abbas’s appeal to review and reduce his 11-year sentence, despite acknowledging his good behavior during his time in custody.
