Davido: Hushpuppi Is My Friend But Didn’t Know He Was Into Fraud
Hushpuppi Is My Friend But Didn't Know He Was Into Fraud - Davido
Davido: Hushpuppi Is My Friend But Didn’t Know He Was Into Fraud.
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Davido recently opened up about his past association with Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, during a podcast interview. The globally acclaimed artist acknowledged their friendship but emphasized that he was unaware of Hushpuppi’s involvement in fraudulent activities.
Despite the controversies surrounding the former social media influencer, Davido expressed sympathy for his plight and voiced hope for his eventual release from U.S. prison. “Hushpuppi is coming out soon. He lived life. To me, it is not worth it to be locked up. But let me not make excuses for them (fraudsters). Some people are happy to ball for five years and that is it,” he stated.
Davido, known for chart-topping hits and his philanthropic endeavors, also touched on the broader societal issues that may drive individuals toward illegal activities. He pointed to Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions as a significant factor in the rise of fraud and other illicit practices. “In Nigeria, there is a kind of hardship you would face and you will be like, you know what? Let me ball for two years then I am good,” he explained. His comments shed light on the desperation that some individuals face, though he stopped short of condoning such actions.
The “30 Billion Gang” artist reiterated that his relationship with Hushpuppi was purely social, with no knowledge of his friend’s fraudulent schemes. “People are like that. My prayers go out to him (Hushpuppi). He was my friend. I just see him around, I never really knew what he was doing. But he lived a good life,” Davido remarked. His statements reflect a mix of empathy and realism, acknowledging the consequences of Hushpuppi’s actions while maintaining compassion for his former associate.
Hushpuppi’s legal troubles have been widely publicized since his arrest in Dubai in June 2020. He was later extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering in April 2021. In November 2022, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II sentenced him to over 11 years in prison and ordered him to pay $1,732,841 in restitution to two fraud victims. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada highlighted Hushpuppi’s extravagant lifestyle, which was funded by his involvement in transnational fraud and money laundering schemes targeting victims worldwide.
Davido’s candid remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of relationships in the entertainment industry, where personal connections can sometimes intersect with controversial circumstances. While he maintained a respectful distance from justifying Hushpuppi’s actions, his words underscored the importance of understanding the broader societal factors that influence individual choices. As Hushpuppi serves his sentence, Davido’s reflections serve as a reminder of the human element behind even the most sensational headlines.
