Mompha Wanted Over #5.9 Billion Fraud Says EFCC

 

"Wanted by the EFCC: Ismaila Mustapha. Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the EFCC or the nearest police station," the brief statement read. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, a wanted person.

 

 Mompha, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, is being prosecuted by EFCC, on an eight-count charge bordering on ''conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretence and use of property derived from unlawful act.''

 

One of the counts reads: "Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions to the tune of N5,998,884,653.18 ( Five Billion Nine Hundred and Ninety-eight Million Eight Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-three Naira Eighteen Kobo) with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities to wit: obtaining by false pretence."

 

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges, prompting the commencement of his trial.

 

He was remanded in the custody of the EFCC but was later granted bali of N200m which he failed to fulfil. The bail was later reduced to N25 million.

 

EFCC in a statement on Wednesday, August 3, called on members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to contact the anti-graft agency.