BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Instagram Celebrity, Mompha For Yahoo Boys And Money Laundering [PHOTOS]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Lagos Zonal office, has arrested a renowned Social Media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha for an alleged involvement in internet related fraud and money laundering.

The suspect 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.

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

Ismaila allegedly perpetrates his fraudulent activities under the guise of being a Bureau de Change operator.

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 suspect will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Newsflash247 gathered that the EFCC has been working with the international police for months to rein in Mompha

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The EFCC has also been collaborating with the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies on a slew of internet fraud suspects of Nigerian descent across the globe.

Meanwhile, Newsflash247 had earlier reported that Seven operatives of the EFCC have been arrested in connection with a plot to smuggle former Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) chairman AbdulRasheed Maina out of the anti-graft agency’s custody.

They are undergoing investigation along with a woman, Zainab Abbas, to determine their involvement in the plot.

Maina is being detained by the anti-graft agency which is probing him for alleged N2.1 billion fraud.

An official of the agency alleged on Monday that Zainab Abbas, who visited Maina, coordinated the failed attempt to spirit Maina out of custody.

According to the source, the seven EFCC men were on duty when the plot was to be carried out.

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The source added: “Intelligence was received about the plot on October 17.

“That night, one Zainab Abbas was smuggled into the visitors’ area to meet with Maina. She was with her telephone.

“She was alleged to be making efforts to procure some purported military personnel to execute the plan to get Maina out in a commando style.

“It could not be immediately ascertained if Maina was in the picture of what was being planned or if Zainab was contracted by members of pension syndicate to set Maina free.

“Operatives on duty that night were arrested, questioned and detained. They are being investigated for suspected complicity

“But contrary to the rules, Zainab was allowed to use her phone during an audience with Maina.”

The source added: “The Acting Chairman of EFCC has ordered additional security measures around Maina in the facility where he is.

“All his visitors will henceforth be subjected to EFCC’s guidelines.”

“The is also undergoing interrogation. We believe the plot might also be a ploy by the woman to get money from Maina.”

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