Three notorious Nigerian internet fraudsters, known for their significant social media influence, are currently serving sentences at Fort Dix low-security prison in the United States. Bidemi Rufai is set to be released on Valentine’s Day in 2025. Alongside him are Ray ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas, 41, and Jacob Olalekan Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, 33.
Rufai, a close associate of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, was arrested in May 2021 at John F. Kennedy Airport while attempting to flee to Nigeria. The FBI uncovered his scheme of stealing identities of thousands of U.S. citizens to claim COVID-19 benefits totaling nearly $500,000. He spent the ill-gotten gains on luxury cars and watches.
Rufai pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, receiving a five-year prison sentence and being ordered to pay $604,000 in restitution to various government institutions.
Rufai was transferred to Fort Dix from a facility outside Seattle, Washington. His co-conspirator, Mr. Woodberry, was moved from the Danbury correctional center in Connecticut. He is scheduled for release on October 17, 2027, after being sentenced to over eight years for fraud.
Woodberry was arrested alongside Hushpuppi in Dubai in June 2020. He must repay $8 million to seven victims and forfeit valuable jewelry.
Hushpuppi, also at Fort Dix, faces an 11-year sentence following his conviction in 2022 for internet scams. He is set to remain in prison until August 6, 2029.
It remains unclear if U.S. prison officials recognized the trio’s connections as allies from Nigeria and Dubai. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons did not respond to requests for comments.
