By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Attempts to get suspected fraudster, Raymond Abbas, (aka Hushpuppi) released from prison has failed as US judge denied him bail.
Hushpuppi’s lead counsel, Mr. Gal Pissetzky argued that he is able to afford his luxury lifestyle because he earns a lot as an Instagram influencer, but it appears the argument is falling on deaf ears.
Read also: Reactions As Dubai Police Extradites Hushpuppi, Woodberry To US
Judge Jeffrey Gilbert who watched proceedings from a prison video link denied the Nigerian bail.
National UAE reports that Hushpuppi was recently denied bail after his lawyers argued that he was able to afford his luxury lifestyle through his job as an Instagram influencer.
Read also: [VIDEO] Dubai Police Seizes $40.9m Cash, 13 Cars, Others From Busted Hushpuppi
According to the lawyers, Hushpuppi was able to afford his $10,000 (N3.8m) monthly rent for his Dubai apartment from proceeds he got from his social media gigs.
Recall that Hushpuppi alongside some of his crew members got arrested after they were busted in their hotel room by police officers.
Read also: FBI Hails Dubai Police As Hushpuppi, Woodberry Land In US
Upon his arrest, the internet celebrity was extradited from Dubai to the US, where he was accused of laundering millions of dollars and also attempting to scam an English premier league club.
According to the same media, Hushpuppi made an appearance in a Chicago court on Thursday where his lawyers attempted to help him regain freedom.
Read also: Alleged N168bn Fraud: Why Hushpuppi Hired Top Chicago Lawyer
The lawyers said upon his bail the alleged fraudster will be made to wear an electronic tag and will also be staying with a relative.
However, prosecutors argued that all Hushpuppi needed to commit a crime was a smartphone and good internet connection.
The Instagram celebrity was eventually denied bail by Judge Jeffrey Gilbert who watched proceedings from a prison video link.
According to Gilbert, Hushpuppi posed too much of a flight risk and he will remain in custody until he is taken to a California court.
