In a recent podcast interview, the “Awuke” singer acknowledged his friendship with Hushpuppi but was quick to emphasize that he had no knowledge of his friend’s fraudulent activities. Despite the controversy surrounding Hushpuppi, who gained fame for his lavish lifestyle on social media, Davido expressed sympathy for the convicted fraudster and shared hopes for his eventual release from prison in the United States.
“Hushpuppi is coming out soon. He lived life. To me, it is not worth it to be locked up. But let me not make excuses for them (fraudsters),” Davido said. “Some people are happy to ball for five years and that is it.” The "30 Billion Gang" frontman also shared his understanding of the pressures that contribute to such illegal activities, particularly in Nigeria, where economic struggles have led many to desperate measures.
“In Nigeria, there is a kind of hardship you would face and you will be like, you know what? Let me ball for two years then I am good,” he explained. “People are like that. My prayers go out to him. He was my friend. I just see him around, I never really knew what he was doing. But he lived a good life.”
Hushpuppi, once an influential figure on Instagram known for flaunting his wealth, was sentenced to over 11 years in prison by United States District Judge Otis Wright II in 2022. The sentence followed Hushpuppi's guilty plea in 2021 to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, stemming from his role in a massive fraud operation that targeted victims worldwide. Along with his prison term, the judge ordered Hushpuppi to pay nearly $1.7 million in restitution to the victims of his schemes.
The case became widely known after Hushpuppi’s arrest in Dubai in June 2020, and his subsequent extradition to the United States. U.S. authorities highlighted the social media influencer’s flaunting of a luxurious lifestyle funded by illicit means, with United States Attorney Martin Estrada describing him as a major player in international fraud and money laundering.
While Davido refrains from defending Hushpuppi’s actions, his remarks underscore the complicated social and economic factors that can drive individuals toward criminal activities, especially in a country like Nigeria, where the wealth gap and economic instability are rampant. As Davido continues to support his friend, his statements also reflect a broader reflection on the challenges many face in environments of extreme hardship and the complex nature of personal relationships.