EFCC explains why Mompha was arrested in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha.

EFCC disclosed that Mompha was arrested for alleged internet fraud and money laundering on Friday last week at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency made the disclosure in a series of tweets titled: “Alleged Internet fraud, Money Laundering: EFCC Arrests Ismaila Mustapha, a.k.a Mompha.”

The tweets reads: “The EFCC, Lagos office, has arrested a renowned Social Media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha for alleged involvement in internet-related fraud and money laundering.

“The suspect, a premium and first class customer of one of the popular international airlines, was arrested on Friday 18, October 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way to Dubai Emirate following series of intelligence reports received by the Commission.”

EFCC also disclosed that according to its operatives, “actionable cross border intelligence received from collaborative law enforcement agencies about his alleged involvement in the criminal activities further strengthened our suspicion”.

It added: “Ismaila, who allegedly perpetrates his fraudulent activities under the guise of being a Bureau de Change operator is always seen with his little son flaunting huge amount of foreign currencies on his social media platforms.

“Investigations have also revealed that Ismaila is only using the BDC business, he jointly owned with his siblings, as a decoy to launder his proceeds of crime.

“However, the suspect has volunteered useful information to the operatives and has admitted to be reasonably involved in the first two cases he was alleged to be involved.

“At the point of arrest, five wristwatches with a total worth of over twenty million naira (N20, 000, 000: 00) was recovered from him. The suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”