Davido Speaks on Friendship with Hushpuppi, Denies Knowing About Fraud

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has opened up about his past association with convicted internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, saying he was unaware of the latter’s criminal activities.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, the “Awuke” hitmaker admitted to knowing Hushpuppi socially but maintained he had no knowledge of his fraudulent dealings. “Hushpuppi was my friend. I just used to see him around. I never really knew what he was doing,” Davido stated.

Despite Hushpuppi’s high-profile conviction, Davido expressed sympathy, adding, “My prayers go out to him. He lived life. To me, it’s not worth it to be locked up. But some people are okay balling for five years and calling it a wrap.”

Davido also reflected on Nigeria’s economic hardship, which he believes pushes many into illegal ventures. “There’s a kind of hardship you would face in Nigeria that makes you think, ‘Let me just ball for two years, then I’m good,’” he said.

Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai in June 2020 and extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money obtained from cybercrime. In 2022, he was sentenced to over 11 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $1.73 million in restitution to two victims.

U.S. authorities described him as a key player in global online fraud schemes, highlighting how he flaunted a lavish lifestyle on social media funded by illegal gains.

Davido’s comments have sparked fresh conversations about celebrity ties to individuals involved in criminal activity and the social pressures of wealth and status in the entertainment industry.