Dubai-based Nigerian Big Boy, Ismail Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, has been arrested by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for alleged involvement in internet – related fraud and money laundering.
Confirming the arrest in a statement released through its official Twitter handle on Tuesday, EFCC said the suspect who is 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 series of intelligence reports received by the commission.
The anti – graft agency also confirmed that five wristwatches with a total worth of over N20, 000, 000 were recovered from him when he was arrested.
“Actionable cross border intelligence received from collaborative law enforcement agencies about his alleged involvement in the criminal activities further strengthened our suspicion”, EFCC tweeted.
According to EFCC operatives, Ismaila, who allegedly perpetrates his fraudulent activities under the guise of being a Bureau de Change, BDC, operator, is always seen with his little son flaunting huge amount of foreign currencies on his social media platforms.
Further findings showed that the suspect is using BDC business he jointly owns with his siblings, as a decoy to launder his proceeds of crime.
However, the suspect has volunteered useful information to the operatives and has admitted to be reasonably involved in the first two cases he was alleged to be involved.
The suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
Abeeb Alawiye formerly works with The ICIR as a Reporter/Social Media officer. Now work as a Senior Journalist with BBC News Yoruba. You can shoot him an email via [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @habsonfloww