Suspect arrested with Hushpuppi in cybercrime case ‘regains freedom’

Sikiru ‘Pac’ Adekoya, one of the suspects arrested with Hushpuppi, the embattled Nigerian socialite, says he has regained freedom.

Hushpuppi, who is known for his luxury lifestyle, was arrested in the UAE back in June 2020 alongside 11 of his associates over allegations bordering on hacking, impersonation, scamming, banking fraud, and identity theft.

The social media celebrity’s extradition to the United States had followed after the UAE police detailed his arrest in a special operation dubbed ‘Fox Hunt 2’ where he was accused of defrauding 1.9 million victims to the tune of N168 billion.

The socialite was arraigned and detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago ahead of trial.

But on Wednesday, Adekoya took to his Instagram page to put out a post — for the first time in 53 weeks (12 months) — wherein he said that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) “got nothing” on him.

“It is not funny how a dramatic turn of events can change everything forever. What seemed a quest for greener pastures turned out to be the darkest 6mths of my life. The pains of incarceration, the groans of solitude,” he wrote.

“…the agonies of torture, my life that is lived with hope and great expectations were crumbling before me.

“A year ago today, I, Rahman (Hushpuppi) and some other friends got arrested in Dubai, it was a week to my birthday, I thought the end has come. How am I supposed to make it out of these?”

Adekoya said he had traveled to the UAE in search of opportunities but ended up behind bars in the Huspuppi case.

“I came to Dubai for opportunities, but here I am, behind guarded bars. The experience was not palatable, I wouldn’t wish it on an enemy. Miraculously they got nothing on me. Freedom is good,” he added.

“But the experience remains indelible as I can’t free my thoughts and minds from the grips of confinements. I still have nightmares. For all it is worth, I’m happy to walk the street and take in the air as a free man.

“I am thankful for life and for the grace to look forward to my next birthday as a celebration of life and not behind bars counting down days with possibilities of worst outcomes. Life has not been the same since.

“With my best friend and benefactor (Hushpuppi) still in detention, I hope he gets lucky too. I hope he returns to his friends and families in one healthy piece. I want to thank everyone that stood by me during these trying times.”