Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, has launched a blistering attack on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), branding the organization as “useless” and corrupt. His outburst followed the EFCC’s recent revelation of a staggering N35 billion found in his bank account, according to News360 Nigeria.
In court, EFCC investigator Idi Musa testified that the funds were discovered in two bank accounts linked to Mompha. This testimony emerged during the ongoing trial of Mompha, who faces charges of money laundering alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
The EFCC had arraigned Mompha on an eight-count charge, which includes conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activities, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets and property, among other allegations. Mompha’s trial has been underway since January 2022, with Musa’s recent testimony providing new insights into the case.
Musa, the sixth prosecution witness, detailed to Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, how N35 billion was discovered in accounts linked to Mompha. The EFCC, through its Lagos Zonal Command, had arraigned Mompha and his company on January 12, 2022, on multiple charges related to money laundering and possession of documents containing false pretenses.
Reacting to the developments, Mompha took to Instagram, describing the EFCC as “the most useless and corrupt Nigeria government agency @officialefcc.”
In response, the EFCC challenged Mompha to substantiate his claims. The agency’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, dismissed Mompha’s accusations as the “rantings of a sinking defendant.” Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC’s integrity is its most prized value and must be defended.
“The Commission is alarmed that the accused would abandon the platform offered by the court to launch a media war against it through spurious claims,” Oyewale stated. He insisted that the EFCC would not be deterred from prosecuting Mompha’s case to its logical conclusion.
Oyewale further asserted that the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has directed that Mompha be invited to present evidence of any corruption within the Commission. He urged the public to ignore Mompha’s claims and focus on his prosecution in court.
“The EFCC will not sit back and allow libelous statements against its reputation to go unchallenged,” Oyewale said, adding that Mompha’s unsubstantiated accusations are being taken seriously.
The EFCC advised the public to disregard Mompha’s comments and instead pay attention to the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
