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EFCC Re-Arraigns Instagram Celebrity Mompha On Amended N33bn Money Laundering Charge

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday re-arraigned a social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, at a Federal High Court, Lagos, on an amended 22-count money laundering charge.

Mompha and his firm were first arraigned on a 14-count count charge last November 25, before Justice Mohammed Liman, following his arrest on October 19 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The alleged offences, according to the EFCC, contravened sections 15 (2) and 18 (3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted N100 million bail.

The trial began and the prosecution called four witnesses who testified before the court.

At the resumption of proceedings yesterday, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo obtained the court’s approval to re-arraign the defendants on an amended 22-count charge.

Mompha and his firm pleaded not guilty.

Mompha’s counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) informed the court that the amended charge was served on him and the defendants a few minutes before the court began sitting.

Oyewole prayed for a short date to enable the defence teams to study the additional counts of the charge.

Oyedepo did not oppose him.

Justice Liman adjourned till March 18 and 20, for the continuation of trial.

In the amended charge, the EFCC alleged that Mompha procured Ismalob Global Investment Ltd to retain N33.006, 026,806 billion between 2015 and 2018.

He was also alleged to have failed to inform the anti-graft agency in writing within seven days before making various huge amounts of money to several people, including Ikechukwu Kingsley; Ojei Osemeke; one Onuskain; Okafor Ikenna; Ik Tony Global Communication; Ogbu C &C Ventures.

He was also said to have engaged in foreign exchange transaction without complying with the requirement of informing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trades and Investment.

In another instance, Mompha was accused of procuring one Ahmed Sarki (now deceased) to make a cash payment of 765, 657, 00 Euro in a commercial bank, to a company, Pitacalize Ltd.

The offences, the anti-graft agency said, contravened sections 18(c),15(2)(d), 10, 5, 29(1)(c), 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and punishable under sections 15(3), 16(1)(f) and Sections 29(2), 16(2) of the same Act.

The offences were also said to have contravened Section 39(2)(a) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

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BREAKING: Oyo Governor Approves Appointment Of Canadian-Based Businessman Prince Abimbola As New Alaafin

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After a two-year dispute over the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Abimbola Owoade, a young Canadian-based businessman, as the new monarch of the kingdom.

 

More to come…

 

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Dismissed Kano SSG Abdullahi Bichi Threatens To Expose Government, Political Figures

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The recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, has threatened to reveal what he described as “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made the declaration upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, he addressed his supporters and accused the leaders of betrayal and deceit, saying, “I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them.”

“I have documents, videos, and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are,” Bichi added.

The former SSG’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. Bichi described the leaders as “masters of betrayal,” claiming his evidence would expose their true nature.

Political observers and residents of Kano are speculating on whether Bichi will follow through with his threats, and how it may impact the political landscape in the region.

Bichi was accused of attempting to sever Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence. He was subsequently suspended from the party alongside then-Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

The State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels.

Dungurawa emphasized that the actions of the suspended officials undermined the party’s leadership and structure.

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DSS Arrests Blogger For Cloning Its Website, Posting Fake Recruitment Notice

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the man responsible for cloning its website and posting a false recruitment notice.

It was gathered that 32-year-old Sylvester Victor Augustus, a native of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State, was apprehended on Thursday at his residence on Akpan Eno Lane in Abak, Abak LGA.

Augustus, who claimed to be a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and worked as a blogger and content creator, had created a fake online recruitment notice on the cloned DSS website, likely intending to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The DSS has labeled the notice “fake” and urged the public to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Augustus is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

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