The arrest of Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha and Hamza Koudeih, his associate has been described as a landmark achievement by the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The suspect, Mompha was apprehended in Abuja on October 18 while his associate, Koudeih was arrested in Lagos state on TuesdayTuesday.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the two suspects, Mompha and Koudeih were alleged of involvement in internet-related fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33 billion.
This was disclosed by the EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu while addresing stakeholders at an interactive session at the Lagos Zonal Office of the anti-graft agency.
He stated that the arrests have confirmed the agency’s commitment to the anti-graft war.
According to the EFCC boss, “the recent arrests of a social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and his Lebanese collaborator, Hamza Koudeih, for their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud and money laundering remains a landmark achievement of the EFCC,”
“I make bold to tell you that these arrests have further confirmed our commitment to the anti-graft war, while also sending a red alert to potential internet fraudsters.
“I am sure you will be greatly shocked to know that five wristwatches valued at over N60 million were recovered from the suspected internet fraudster, Mompha, at the point of arrest.
“Investigation has also revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria with which he acquires properties in Dubai and had laundered about N14billion through a firm known as Ismalob Global Investments Limited.
“His accomplice, Koudeih, also has two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited with which he has allegedly laundered about N19 billion. Koudeih lives in a $5million per annum suite at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“They will be charged to court accordingly as soon as investigation is concluded.”
Ibrahim Magu also revealed that the EFCC has made over 300 arrests, secured 207 convictions and sealed off properties suspected to have been acquired with the proceeds of crime from January till date.
Magu said the EFCC would soon commence auctioning of recovered items and the process has already started in Port Harcourt where 242 trucks will be auctioned.
