Instagram celebrity, Hushpuppi has been denied bail in the US where he was extradited to on charges of cyber fraud.
His lawyer, Gal Pissetzky, had applied for bail and requested that he is given an ankle monitor while he lives with the uncle of a woman he has a baby with.
This was rejected by US prosecutors who said that he poses flight risk and could commit crime with just a mobile phone.
On reaction, Pissetzky stated that Hushpuppi has much to lose if he flees after bail.
“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”, he said.
Judge Jeffrey Gilbert denied Hushpuppi bail on grounds of posing a flight risk. He ordered he remains in prison till he’s transfer to court in California.
