Internet Celebrity, Mompha, Sues EFCC, Demands N5m Compensation

Following his continued detention, suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha has filed an Enforcement Suit before the Lagos High Court against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging a violation of his rights.

Mompha was arrested by the EFCC in October on allegation of cyber-crime and money laundering.

In the application dated November 14 and brought pursuant to Section 34-36 and Section 46(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, Mompha is asking the court to declare that his continued detention since October 22, on the orders of a Lagos Magistrate Court which order expired on November 4, is unlawful and constitutes a gross violation of his right to personal liberty.

He also wants the court to declare that the failure of the EFCC to charge and arraign him in court is unconstitutional.

He is therefore seeking an order of the court directing the EFCC to release him from custody, unconditionally.

He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC or any person acting on its behalf from arresting and detaining him in relation to the subject matter of this suit without recourse to the due process of law.

Mompha is claiming damages in the sum of N5million against the EFCC for what he calls, his unlawful detention.

According to his lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole, Mompha was arrested on October 19 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by the EFCC which accused him of money laundering.

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.”

The court has yet to fix any date to hear the case.

Recall that EFCC had said in October that it arrested the internet celebrity in Abuja on his way to Dubai, based on “actionable cross-border intelligence received from collaborative law enforcement agencies about his alleged involvement in the criminal activities.”

The anti-graft agency said, “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.”