Internet Celebrity, Mompha, Challenges Arrest by EFCC, Demands N5M Compensation

Matilda Omonaiye/

Internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, aka Mompha, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging a violation of his rights as a result of his continued detention.

In the suit filed before the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, Mompha is demanding the award of N5 million against the EFCC for detaining him beyond the constitutionally-allowed period without being charged to court.

He was arrested by the EFCC in October on allegation of cybercrime and money laundering.

He further prayed the court to order the EFCC to either immediately charge him to Court or release him if it was not ready to charge him to court.

In a 20-paragraph supporting affidavit, one Olumuyiwa Ajidagba claimed that “The applicant (Mompha) has been subjected to physical, mental and psychological torture in the underground cell of the EFCC’s detention centre.”

No date has been fixed for hearing in the matter.

At the time of his arrest, the EFCC it had received “actionable cross-border intelligence from collaborative law enforcement agencies about his alleged involvement in the criminal activities”.

The Commission further stated: “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.”

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