A popular Instagram Slay King, Ismaila Mustapha, better known as Mompha , has debunked his involvement in a N33 billion money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Herald gathered that Mompha pleaded not guilty to a 14-count charge bordering on the offences following his arraignment at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos by the EFCC.
Justice Mohammad Liman remanded him in prison custody and adjourned till Friday for hearing of his bail application and commencement of trial.
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Meanwhile, The Herald gathered that Mompha filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over unlawful detention which is a direct violation of his fundamental human rights.
Mompha’s legal counsel, Gboyega Oluwole (SAN) told the Igbosere Magistrate court that his client was detained beyond for a long period of time without being charged to court. He said this was a violation of his client’s fundamental rights.
Oluwole mentioned to the court that since his client was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on October 18 by operatives of the EFCC, no date has been fixed for the hearing of his case in a court of law.
A part of the lawsuit read: “The applicant (Mompha) has been subjected to physical, mental and psychological torture in the underground cell of the EFCC’s detention centre.”
In a series of tweets, the EFCC confirmed Mustapha was indeed in their custody. The anti-graft agency also revealed the reason for his detention.
The commission said: “The suspect, a premium and first-class customer of one of the popular international airlines, was arrested on Friday 18, October 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to Dubai Emirate following [a] series of intelligence reports
“According to the EFCC operatives, actionable cross-border intelligence received from collaborative law enforcement agencies about his alleged involvement in the criminal activities further strengthened our suspicion.
“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.”