Instagram big boy, Mompha lands in another N157million fraud mess

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has named Instagram celebrity, Ismail Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, in its amended N157.1million fraud charge filed against an auto dealer, Sarumi Babafemi, alias 606.

Recall that the socialite has since November 25, 2019 been facing a separate 14-count N32.9 billion charge bothering on money laundering before Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos.

One Mr. Babafemi is the Chief Executive Officer of 606 Autos Ltd; 606 Music Ltd and Splash Off Entertainment Ltd.

He and his firms have since November 1, 2019 been on trial a five-count charge before Justice Chuka Obiozor of the FHC for allegedly laundering N207.1million.

Babafemi was accused by the EFCC of being an agent of fraud suspects named by the United State’s Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI), which he however denied.

However, on Monday, the EFCC brought an amended nine-count charge of January 22, 2021 against Babafemi, Mompha and two others, before Justice Chukwujeku Aneke. The others listed in the charge marked FHC/L/CS/374c/2019, are: Ridwan Momodu Allison, a.k.a. Osama said to be at large and Richard Ogbah. They were alleged to have laundered N157.1 million.

Listed as the beneficiaries of the said funds are: Omojadesola Shittu Allison; Olandewaju Oriyomi; Abiola Kayode Ayorinde; Bartholomew Oluchukwu Ezeudoka and Amobi Uchenna E., who were said to have received the sums of N37.6 million; N93 million; N1.5 million and N25 million respectively.

Babafemi and his firms were also alleged to have concealed and disguised the origins of the funds he reportedly laundered for Mompha and others.

According to the EFCC, the offences contravened sections 15(2)(b) and 15(3)(a) and are punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).