Nigerian Instagram big boy and alleged fraudster, Ramoni Igbalode Raymond Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi has been arraigned in an American court in California as his trial begins on October 13.
Hushpuppi pleaded not guilty to the four-count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Recall that in July, Hushpuppi alongside Olalekan Ponle, popularly known as Woodberry, was extradited to Chicago in the United States where he was first arraigned
However, because the U.S. Court in Illinois does not have jurisdiction over the case, he was transferred to Los Angeles, a city in California.
Since his transfer to California late July, he has been held in the custody of the U.S. Marshal in a federal prison.
Meanwhile, the prosecutor kickstarted the process of arraignment by filling necessary documents and forms after his first appearance on August 17.
After the pre-trial services, Hushpuppi entered a plea, insisting that he is not guilty of the charges.
In the documents obtained, he agreed to go to trial with his lawyer, Vicki Podberesky, a top-rated lawyer in California.
Mrs Podberesky will be assisted by Gal Pissetzky, a Chicago-based lawyer appearing pro hac vice because he is not licensed to practise outside Chicago.
Nevertheless, he has pleaded that he should be prosecuted with complaint and not indictment. This he did by filing a waiver of indictment accepted by the court.
Olalekan Ajimoti – Blogger, Content Writer, and Digital Marketer helping brands and retailers build 8-figure e-commerce since 2016.
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