His lawyer, Gal Pissetzky insisted that the suspected internet fraudster is an Instagram celebrity who makes his money by posing with designer items that people would then buy.
Pissetzky also insisted in court that this line of work helps Hushpuppi pay the $10,000 monthly rent on his luxury flat in Dubai.
Hushpuppi’s lawyers filed a bail application for him, arranging for him to stay with the uncle of a woman he has a child with while he would wear an electronic tag.
However, American prosecutors opposed the application, saying that HushPuppi can commit a crime just with a smartphone and internet connection. They also deemed him a flight risk.
In response, Hushpuppi’s lawyer told the judge via videolink:
“He is loved and respected. He is a celebrity. I don’t see the reason why he would want to ruin his credibility in the world and his status rather than stay here and face this allegation.
“Anywhere he goes, people will know. Having grown up very poor in Nigeria, Mr Abbas is now paid to pose with high-priced items such as Louis Vuitton bags that people would buy after seeing his posts on Instagram.
“He is an influencer. That’s a job today, as much as it is hard to imagine. That’s a full-time job.”
In spite of this defense, the judge refused him bail on the grounds that he is a flight risk.
