By Treasured Igbonwelundu and Gbenga Bada
- …as INTERPOL confirms arrest of suspected worldwide fraudster
- Launches manhunt for accomplices in alleged trans-border fraud
Plans are underway by the Worldwide Police (INTERPOL) Nigeria to extradite Instagram celeb Raymond Igbalodely a.okay.a. Hushpuppi from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria to face alleged a number of fraud prices, The Nation learnt on Friday.
The INTERPOL can also be on the path of different accomplices within the alleged fraud who’re resident in Nigeria to convey them to justice.
Commissioner of Police (CP) INTERPOL, Garba Umar disclosed these to The Nation yesterday whereas confirming the arrest of Igbalodely whose actual identify is alleged to be Ramoni Igbalode.
He mentioned: “It’s true that Hushpuppi was arrested by the INTERPOL. We’re presently engaged on bringing him to Nigeria to face prices of fraud.
“A number of the offences had been dedicated right here in Nigeria and he has to reply for them. He’s not alone in it; there are accomplices within the nation who we’re presently on their path,” mentioned the CP.
Hushpuppi, identified for his reckless show of wealth on social media, was arrested three days in the past for allegedly hacking into america (US) unemployed database and impersonating residents certified for unemployment funds.
He and his accomplices in Nigeria, Dubai and different nations allegedly defrauded the US of over $100 million meant for Native Individuals within the battle towards the coronavirus pandemic.
The Nation reviews that his arrest got here three days after he posted an image of his newly acquired 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan price about N280 million, the newest addition to his fleet of unique autos.
It was alleged that Hushpuppi was arrested alongside two of his pals after weeks of investigation by the US Secret Service, following the alarm raised in Could a few crime ring of suspected Nigerians who broke into the private info of residents and used factitious unemployment claims to steal a whole lot of tens of millions of {dollars} reserved to assist jobless American individuals.
The syndicate was alleged to have filed in so many names of Individuals who had been nonetheless working to numerous state unemployment workplaces and picked up cash from the system.
They had been alleged to have used info stolen from first responders, authorities personnel and faculty staff.
The escapades of a suspected fraudster
Ramoni Igbalode could not ring a bell. However the point out of Hushpuppi alerts many in regards to the Nigerian born Instagram celeb who lives in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Hushpuppi is nearly synonymous with glamour.
Till Wednesday, June 10, when he was reportedly arrested, he had saved entertaining his 2.three million followers on Instagram along with his luxurious life-style. His identify echoes glamour and panache as he junkets the globe on personal jets, flaunting high-end clothes, watches, and sneakers on the social media.
Recognized for his weak point for luxurious and high-end manufacturers like Gucci, Balenciaga, Rolls Royce and Versace, Hushpuppi is a daily face at Dubai’s premier luxurious division, Harvey Nichols.
Though he claims to be an actual property developer, in response to his bio on Instagram, his excessive style for costly life-style has not solely endeared him to his 2.three million followers on Instagram but additionally celebrities and dignitaries from completely different walks of life.
From music stars to footballers and Nigerian lawmakers, Hushpuppi’s identify resonates throughout the globe – with roots in Nigeria and Dubai.
Partying with Dino Melaye, Dogara, others
On January 7, 2020, ex-Senator Dino Melaye turned 46 and determined to throw a lavish social gathering for the event in Dubai. The visitor record had the names of ex-Speaker of the Home of Consultant, Yakubu Dogara, and former APC spokesman, Timi Frank. Additionally on the social gathering crammed with the distinguished company was no aside from Hushpuppi, the Instagram celeb who partied and took photos with Dogara, Timi Frank, and Dino Melaye.
The approach to life displayed by Hushpuppi on Instagram drew a number of Nigerian music stars to him. Touted as a philanthropist, music stars like Olamide and 9ice sang Hushpuppi’s praises with reckless abandon. It’s, nevertheless, not sure whether or not these music stars benefitted from Hushpuppi’s largesse.
On November 16, 2014, Hushpuppi was noticed with ‘Kukere’ star, Iyanya. He shared an image of himself with the singer with the caption, “Out for dinner with Mr. Oreo Iyanya.”
On November 1, 2018, Hushpuppi shared an image of himself with Wizkid. The 2 had been seen to be hanging out someplace in Dubai.
Hushpuppi meets Manchester Metropolis defender
On March 26, 2019, Hushpuppi shared an image of himself with Manchester Metropolis defender and French worldwide, Benjamin Mendy. Though the character of the connection between the Instagram celeb and the footballer couldn’t be established, he captioned the image, “I want I can play for Manchester Metropolis and be humble and right down to earth like my bro Ben Mendy. Thanks for being probably the most superb particular person ever bro.”
Confrontations with Nigerian celebs
From Davido to Eniola Badmus, Kcee, Phyno and Timaya, Hushpuppi has had his justifiable share of controversies. He had first taken on Davido, claiming that he was richer than the musician. He bragged about his genuine designer wears and sneakers, saying many Nigerian celebs put on pretend merchandise.
He had additionally trolled Phyno and Iceprince, saying that for the reason that duo put on pretend Patek wristwatches, they need to cease complaining when individuals pirate their music. He additionally toed the identical line in respect of Eniola Badmus and Timaya, who in anger dragged him and dared him to return again to Nigeria.
Between Hushpuppi and Mompha
Hushpuppi isn’t seen with people on his Instagram posts. However on December 14, 2015, he shared an image of himself and Mompha, saying to his followers that they had been each flying to Malaysia on a non-public jet for some enterprise offers after expending tens of millions on designer sneakers, baggage, and garments. Nonetheless, there are unconfirmed reviews that the connection between the 2 Instagram celebs has since gone bitter.
Apparently, Hushpuppi was reportedly arrested in Dubai precisely eight months after Mompha was arrested in Abuja by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee, EFCC, for alleged fraudulent actions.
Supply: thenationonlineng.net
