January 11, 2022

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Ismailia Mustapha, popularly called Mompha, for allegedly laundering funds obtained through unlawful activities and retention of alleged proceeds of crime.

The socialite who loves to show off his wealth on social media  was arrested on Monday, January 10, 2022.

A statement by the EFCC said that the suspect is currently standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an amended twenty-two-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9bn (Thirty-two Billion Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) brought against him by the EFCC.

Mompha had earlier been arrested on October 18, 2019, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while boarding an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai by the staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service, following a watch list by the EFCC.

He was alleged to have used his registered companies to receive illicit funds on behalf of “Yahoo Yahoo” boys from across the world in return for a commission.

The account of one of his companies, Ismalob Global Investment Limited Bank, a Bureau de Change company, domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc, was allegedly used to launder funds derived from unlawful activities.

The investigation has revealed a fraudulent transfer slip of $92, 412, 75 found in the suspect’s iPhone 8 device. The EFCC says he will soon be charged to court.