Court Orders EFCC To Return Mompha’s Passport, Wrist Watches And iPhone

A federal high court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release all items seized from Ismalob Global Investment Ltd boss, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha.

The items collected from social media personality Mompha included five luxury wristwatches, an Apple iPod, an iPhone 8 device and a pair of sunglasses.

Our correspondent reported that the items were collected during his arrest on October 19, on July 6, his counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), filed a lawsuit calling that his items be released to Mompha.

Ruling over the case, the judge, Justice Liman ordered the return of the items.

Liman said, seizing his property was an accepted thing to do during his arrest, stating that due process must be observed and failure to do this is considered illegal.

READ ALSO: I Deserve A Second Term, Says Obaseki

Liman further averred that the items had been with the EFCC for eight months already.

He said, “None of these items was listed as an exhibit, none of the items was listed on the charge. At this stage, there is nothing on record that the items seized are being investigated on.

“The retention of the property without compliance with due process violates the requirements of Section 29 of the Act”

“Failure to release the property is illegal. As at today, no charge has been filed regarding the items. It is too long to withhold the applicant properties.”

Mompha is standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, on an amended twenty two-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33 billion.