Crime
Mompha Re-Arrested In ₦6 Billion Money Laundering Case
On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that the popular social media figure, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, who was previously charged with money laundering amounting to ₦6 billion, has been re-arrested.
The EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, informed the Ikeja Special Offences Court that Mompha had been apprehended with the help of international partners.
According to Suleiman, the prosecution would like to inform the court of the recent development.
He said “The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant.
“We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court. The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking for an adjournment that he will be absent today in court.” He added.
Following the recent arrest of Ismaila Mustapha, alias Mompha, the case was adjourned by Justice Mojisola Dada until July 3 for the continuation of the trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Mompha had been ordered to stand trial in absentia on September 21, 2022, as he failed to appear before the court.
On January 22, 2022, the EFCC had initially arraigned Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment, on charges related to ₦6 billion laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Subsequently, on June 22, 2022, a bench warrant was issued for Mompha’s arrest after his non-appearance in court, and Justice Dada revoked the bail previously granted to the defendant.
In another instance of his absence, the social media celebrity did not appear in court on June 16, 2022. The EFCC accused him on June 10, 2022, of disregarding the court’s order by traveling to Dubai using a new international passport.
The charges leveled against Mompha encompass various offenses, including conspiracy to launder money acquired through illegal activities, as well as the actual act of money laundering.
Additionally, he is charged with retaining proceeds from criminal conduct, utilizing property derived from an unlawful act, possessing a document containing false pretense, and failing to disclose assets.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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