Social media has been buzzing with claims that Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, the Nigerian Instagram personality and convicted fraudster, has been released from prison in the United States. However, multiple fact checks confirm that these reports are false, and Hushpuppi remains in U.S. custody serving his sentence.  

Recent posts circulating online suggested that the controversial social media figure had regained his freedom and even returned to Nigeria. But detailed verification from prison records shows that he is still serving his 11‑year sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Fort Dix, New Jersey. These records state that his expected release date is April 2029, refuting all claims of early release.  

The rumours appear to have been sparked by recycled videos and images that predate Hushpuppi’s arrest and imprisonment. For example, videos purporting to show him walking free from custody have been traced back to old footage from before his arrest in 2020, and were repurposed to mislead audiences.  

In one notable fact check, analysts found that the viral clips shared on social media were initially uploaded online years before Hushpuppi’s legal troubles began. These videos surfaced again after his conviction, but do not show him being released. The same pattern has been confirmed across several fact‑checking platforms, all concluding that the release claims lack evidence and are misleading.  

Background: Hushpuppi’s Conviction And Sentence

Hushpuppi rose to fame on Instagram, where he displayed a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, designer clothes, and private jets. However, in 2020, he was arrested in Dubai by Interpol for alleged cybercrime and fraud activities. He was later extradited to the United States to face trial.  

In November 2022, a U.S. federal court sentenced him to more than 11 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to money laundering and related financial crimes. As part of his sentence, Hushpuppi was also ordered to pay restitution amounting to millions of dollars to fraud victims. He was initially held near Los Angeles but later transferred to Fort Dix in New Jersey, where he is expected to complete the remainder of his sentence.  

Despite his incarceration, rumours about his release have resurfaced periodically, often driven by unverified social media posts. Fact check organisations consistently identify these as misleading or false, emphasizing that there has been no official confirmation or credible reporting of any early release or change in his custodial status.  

Experts say misinformation spreads rapidly when it involves high‑profile figures, especially those with large followings like Hushpuppi. Viral rumours often recycle outdated content or use unrelated footage to create misleading narratives, which can confuse audiences and generate false hope or gossip.

To stay informed on legal outcomes and verified developments, authorities and fact‑checking groups recommend consulting credible sources such as official prison registries, court records, and reputable media outlets before sharing unverified claims.

For now, all reliable evidence shows that Hushpuppi remains in prison, serving his sentence under U.S. federal custody, with no official indication of early release or transfer.