Woodberry Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Net Worth, Scandal

Profiling Woodberry

Woodberry Biography

Olalekan Jacob Ponle, known professionally as Mr. Woodberry, was born on May 25, 1989, in Nigeria. He is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, socialite, and social media personality who rose to fame due to his lavish lifestyle and high-profile connections. Mr. Woodberry became well-known around 2017 when his display of wealth, including luxury cars, designer clothing, and extravagant living, attracted significant attention on social media platforms. His lifestyle closely mirrored that of other high-flying figures in the entertainment and business sectors, one of whom was his close associate, Hushpuppi.

Hushpuppi, a notorious figure known for flaunting his wealth online, became a prominent part of Mr. Woodberry’s circle, and the two were often seen together. This association led many to believe they shared similar interests, particularly in the world of luxury and extravagant living. However, this facade of success and affluence would soon be shattered, as it was revealed that both individuals were allegedly involved in massive fraudulent activities.

On June 10, 2020, Mr. Woodberry’s life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested by Dubai authorities. He was apprehended alongside his associate, Hushpuppi, who was also a key figure in a sprawling international cyber fraud scheme. Both individuals were accused of scamming numerous people out of substantial amounts of money through a range of fraudulent activities, including internet fraud and money laundering. The scheme reportedly caused significant financial loss to many innocent victims, prompting a rigorous investigation by law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Woodberry’s arrest marked the beginning of his legal troubles. Authorities charged him with various crimes related to cyber fraud, and he was later involved in a high-profile court case. Hushpuppi, the other individual apprehended alongside Mr. Woodberry, was eventually sentenced to an 11-year prison term for similar crimes. The case was part of a broader effort by international law enforcement to combat cybercrime, and Mr. Woodberry, like Hushpuppi, faced the full consequences of his alleged actions.

The downfall of Mr. Woodberry and his associate served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of flaunting wealth acquired through illicit means. Both individuals were seen as influential figures in Dubai’s social scene, but their criminal activities quickly overshadowed their previously glamorous public personas.

Early Life

Mr. Woodberry, born Olalekan Jacob Ponle on the 25th of May, 1989, hails from Lagos, Nigeria. His birth took place in the early 1990s, and he grew up in Mainland Lagos, a bustling area known for its vibrant community and mix of residential and commercial zones. Mr. Woodberry was raised in a middle-class neighborhood where he lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ponle, and his siblings. His family’s modest background provided him with the opportunity to experience life in one of Nigeria’s most populous cities, which played a significant role in shaping his early worldview.

As a native Yoruba man, Mr. Woodberry comes from a Southwestern state in Nigeria. The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, with a rich cultural history and deep traditions that influence their language, customs, and worldview. Growing up in Lagos, Mr. Woodberry was immersed in both Yoruba culture and the cosmopolitan environment of the city, which is known for its blend of local traditions and global influences.

Mr. Woodberry’s fluency in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin English, which is a widely spoken creole language in Nigeria, further reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of Lagos and Nigeria at large. His ability to communicate in multiple languages is a testament to his upbringing in a city that celebrates both local and international influences, and it likely played a role in his social interactions and connections throughout his life.

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Education

Woodberry grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he received his primary and secondary education in public schools. Like many in Nigeria, he attended government-run institutions, which are common for children from various backgrounds in the country. During his time in school, Woodberry was diligent in his studies and completed his secondary education after six years. He achieved strong results in his WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council) exams, which are crucial academic milestones for students in Nigeria.

Despite his academic success, Woodberry faced financial constraints that prevented him from pursuing higher education at a university. However, his desire to continue learning led him to briefly attend a polytechnic in Southwest Nigeria, where he furthered his studies before deciding to emigrate abroad. Although his time at the polytechnic was short, it marked a significant step in his academic journey, as he sought to expand his knowledge and open doors for future opportunities. Eventually, Woodberry made the decision to move overseas, where he would focus on creating a better future for himself.

Age

Woodberry, born Olalekan Jacob Ponle on May 5, 1989, is currently 35 years old.

Career

Personal Life

Woodberry’s early years were marked by a strong work ethic. During his late teens, he took on several blue-collar jobs to support himself and cover his basic needs. Recognizing the importance of self-reliance, he also taught himself computer skills, which allowed him to earn extra income beyond his regular job. This self-taught expertise in technology played a significant role in his financial growth, as he found ways to monetize his knowledge and improve his standard of living.

In terms of personal life, Woodberry is currently unmarried and does not have a girlfriend or children. He has kept details about his romantic life and family matters private, with little public information available. His focus appears to be primarily on career development and financial independence.

After saving for several years, Woodberry decided to seek better opportunities abroad. He relocated to the United Arab Emirates, settling in Dubai, where he hoped to build a more prosperous future. Initially, he shared a living space with other Nigerians in a shared apartment as he adjusted to his new life. However, over time, Woodberry was able to move into his own apartment, reflecting his growing financial stability.

Woodberry gained significant popularity on social media due to his close friendship with Hushpuppi, a prominent Nigerian social media personality also based in Dubai. The two were often seen together, showcasing a lavish lifestyle filled with expensive cars, designer clothes, and luxurious experiences. Their social media presence quickly attracted attention, as they flaunted their wealth, making their extravagant lifestyle a focal point for their followers.

Woodberry’s social media posts often highlighted his love for luxury items. He was known for purchasing high-end cars from renowned brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and the G-Wagon. His taste for luxury extended beyond vehicles, as he also owned multiple upscale apartments in prestigious areas, not only in Dubai but in Nigeria and other parts of the world as well. This display of wealth further solidified his image as a successful and affluent individual.

However, Woodberry’s public display of wealth also led to speculation about the sources of his income. Given his rapid rise to financial success, many began to question whether his wealth was the result of legitimate business ventures or if he was involved in illegal activities, such as internet fraud. This suspicion surrounding his wealth continued to grow, particularly as he posted more about his lavish lifestyle, which fueled rumors of his involvement in cyber-crime. Despite these doubts, Woodberry continued to enjoy the attention that his wealth and lifestyle garnered, maintaining a prominent presence on social media.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Woodberry’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, although much of his wealth stems from his involvement in fraudulent activities.

Scandal

Woodberry’s life has been marked by significant controversy, largely due to his involvement in internet fraud and his connection to high-profile fraudster Hushpuppi. Both Woodberry and Hushpuppi were known for their ostentatious displays of wealth, which they showcased extensively on social media, drawing attention to their lavish lifestyles. However, this apparent success would later come under scrutiny as their activities were revealed to be linked to large-scale cybercrime.

In 2020, Woodberry was arrested in Dubai as part of an international crackdown on internet fraudsters. His arrest was part of a broader investigation involving multiple people who were accused of running elaborate schemes to defraud businesses and individuals across the globe. The duo gained notoriety for stealing millions of dollars through fraudulent means, including phishing, money laundering, and unauthorized access to personal and corporate data​

Woodberry’s involvement in these criminal activities led to his extradition to the United States, where he was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. In 2022, after a period of legal battles, Woodberry pleaded guilty to the charges, and in 2023, he was sentenced to eight years in prison. As part of the restitution, he was ordered to pay $8 million to his victims, and his assets were seized​

This scandal has tainted his once-glamorous public image, as his excessive spending on luxury cars, properties, and other expensive items now stands as evidence of his fraudulent operations. Despite his legal troubles, Woodberry’s name remains associated with one of the most talked-about internet fraud cases in recent times.

There has been conflicting information about Woodberry’s status in 2024. While some online posts and blogs have claimed he has been released, official records from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons state otherwise. According to verified sources, Woodberry, whose real name is Olalekan Jacob Ponle, remains incarcerated at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, with his release date set for October 2027. He is serving an eight-year sentence for wire fraud and related offenses​

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @mrwoodberry