Shallipopi, formally known as Crown Uzama, was convicted of criminal impersonation in June after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested him for internet fraud in May.

The artiste would have spent at least two years in prison for the offence but he paid a fine.

It took one post on X to remind music lovers that Shallipopi, a reigning celebrity with songs charting on music billboards, was convicted of fraud not long ago.

Many said that they were never aware Shallipopi was involved in fraud.

Worthy of note was the fact that many still believed Shallipopi was never convicted of the crime.

Let’s not forget that EFCC picked this boy for fraud. So that when we’re blaming the Internet for all the evil things in the world, we’d remember we played a part in making the worst of us the trending topic on it https://t.co/BLOTxzhbiF

— Aare Ona Kakanfo (@cashkid94) September 27, 2023

Others said that he “served his time”.

READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Twin Brothers, 26 Others for Internet Fraud

ARRESTED WITH 30 OTHERS

The EFCC described Shallipopi as a TikTok celebrity when it announced his arrest in May.

Shallipopi was arrested in Kaduna with 30 other suspects, including his manager.

The EFCC claimed it got information that led its officers to a planned show for internet fraudsters and Shallipopi was one of the attendees arrested.

“Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested a popular musician on Tiktok, one Crown Uzama (aka ShalliPopi) and his manager, Ajayi Abdul Hafeez (AKA 21 Badda) for alleged internet-related fraud,” the commission stated on May 30.

“They were arrested alongside 29 other suspects, including four females: Glory Chinyere Kelvin Ogunwa l, Tina Ochonogor, Favour Baba Dawa and Joseph Judith Iya.

“The others are Adewale Adedokun, Yakubu Emmanuel Ojochememi, AbdulAzeez Temidayo Suleiman, Umoru Osioke AbdulAzeez l, Emmanuel Isaac Iwebo, Shuaibu Umaru Smart, Joel Kator, Gowon Titus, Emmanuel Daniel, Enough Etim Ekpo, Atano Timi Eben, Ijuo John Ochi, Paul Emmanuel Kaye, Uyit Victor and David Elijah Yachai.

“Others include, Leche Precious Sokomba, Onoja Samuel Uroko, Cornelius Oyathekhua Agbodesi, Edigim Nosa Success, Azubuike Melchizedek Oniya, Usman Shereef, Victory Dennis Chiemela, Lambert Fortunetus Chikwado, Asoore King Oloruntoba and Malik Adanu Jibril.

“They were arrested following actionable intelligence about a proposed show by suspected internet fraudsters at Barnawa, Kaduna. The suspects were arrested in sting operations at Disney Park Lounge, Epitome and Tomoso Hotels, all in the Barnawa axis of Kaduna.

“Items recovered include mobile phones, laptop computers and two vehicles.”

READ ALSO: Full List: ICPC’s Most Wanted Persons Rise From 12 to 35 in One Year

SHALLIPOPI, MANAGER BOTH CONVICTED

When the EFCC arraigned Shallipopi and others in a Kaduna court in June, the commission claimed it had evidence that proved they impersonated foreign nationals and defrauded unsuspecting victims.

The commission also revealed that Shallipopi went by Miller Maxwell as a different name.

“The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of TikTok music celebrity, Crown Uzama, and five others before Justice A.A Isiaka on separate one count charge bordering on criminal impersonation, offences contrary to Sections 142 (1), 57 and 308 of the Kaduna Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law,” a statement reporting the court’s judgment read on June 23.

“Uzama (AKA Shallipopi and Miller Maxwell) was convicted alongside Joel Kator (AKA Alfred Hudson), AbdulAzeez Suleiman Temidayo (AKA Miss Katie Official), Favour Chidiogo Emmanuel (AKA Kate Banks), John Joseph (AKA Avail Hollywood) and Bethel Makuochukwu ( AKA Violetqmartinez). Makuochukwu had two weeks earlier been convicted for money laundering.

“They all pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them. Consequently, the prosecuting counsel, M.E Eimonye, M. Arumeni, M.U Gadaka and K.S Ogunlade urged the court to convict them accordingly.

“Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced the defendants to two years imprisonment each with option of fines.

“In addition, they are to forfeit all electronic gadgets, furniture and other items recovered from them, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The defendants were arrested at various locations in Kaduna upon intelligence received by the Command. Investigation established they had impersonated foreign nationals and used the false identities to defraud unsuspecting victims.”

READ ALSO: 16 Nigerians on INTERPOL’s Wanted List

REHABILITATED OR FREED?

Shallipopi did not spend time in prison because he also had the option of paying a fine. The following month, the artiste released his Planet Pluto extended play and promoted his music.

Obapluto has become Shallipopi’s most popular song from the Planet Pluto EP. Other songs on the EP are also not unpopular. The Edo State-born musician also made it a point to add a song titled ‘Ex Convict’ to the EP.

Na Big wiz o🦅🪐 #pluto pic.twitter.com/dcj5ZUeHn7

— Shallipopi (@plutomaniapopi) July 10, 2023

A description approved on Shallipopi’s Planet Pluto on Apple Music read, “Shallipopi had a whirlwind year in 2023.

“”Elon Musk“, his breakout single, had scarcely soared to its full potential when detention by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission threatened to disrupt his trajectory.”

Shallipopi admitted in a court that he was guilty of the criminal charge but the description of accounts on Apple Music made it appear as though the EFCC wanted to ruin a talented young man.

Wednesday evening’s post reminded Shallipopi he was once a convict.