JUST IN: Hushpuppi arraigned, to spend 20 years in jail if convicted, US government says

Hushpuppi has been arraigned in U.S. and will likely spend 20 years in jail if convicted, Onyxnews Nigeria quoted the US government saying.

Suspected Nigerian internet fraudster, Raymond Abbas Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi, could get a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

The Dubai based billionaire was known for living an extravagant lifestyle and flaunting it on social media.

This reliable online news platform had reported that Hushpuppi was recently arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and extradited to the United States of America.

He made his first appearance in a U.S court, Friday morning, in Chicago, according to a press release from the U.S Department of Justice.

He would be transferred to Los Angeles in the coming days, the release stated.

An affidavit, alongside a criminal complaint filed in court by the U.S. authorities alleges that the Instagram celebrity and others used the internet to steal millions of dollars from people and companies.

The American government said Hushpuppi funded his extravagant lifestyle with stolen money.

“The FBI led the investigation of Abbas, and the United States Secret Service was also involved and provided substantial assistance.

“The FBI thanks the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Police Department for their substantial assistance,” the statement said.