22nd October, 2019
By Taiwo Okanlawon
News of the arrest of Ismaila Mustapha, a.k.a Mompha surfaced online on Tuesday after controversial Nigerian journalist, Kemi Olunloyo first shared the news on her Instagram page. Olunloyo said Mompha was arrested in Abuja after he fled Dubai.
Olunloyo also claimed that the arrest happened four days ago.
Some hours later, the EFCC confirmed the arrest. Twitter and other social media platforms went on fire, with comments comparing his arrest with that of Invictus boss, Obinwanne Okeke, who was arrested in the US in August.
Mompha, a social media celebrity, with about 650,000 followers on Instagram, is often referred to as the king of Nigerian Bureau De Change. Some commenters on Tuesday even said that he had been competing with Ray, a.k.a Hushpuppi, another flamboyant Nigerian who claims to be a real estate developer, with the way he spends money on luxuries.
Mompha recently acquired the latest Rolls Royce Wraith Eagle viii 2020, claiming he’s the first African in the whole world and in the Middle East to buy the luxury whip.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EgrvoBatX/
Some Nigerians said Mompha’s arrest did not come as a surprise with the way he was spending money lavishly and showing off, with source of income questionable.
Here are some of the reactions;
https://twitter.com/FifunmiRexx/status/1186558934708097024
I hear Interpol has arrested Instagram 'big boy' Mompha. This is another reason why you shouldn't believe everything you see on the gram. Another reason for you to enjoy your own pace, trust your own journey, work hard and make legit money. pic.twitter.com/mfMaJ5UTIZ
— HelenOzor_ (@HelenOzor_) October 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/RealDreylo/status/1186567342408556544
https://twitter.com/aspirin_n/status/1186555324259536897
https://twitter.com/london_used/status/1186568087195262982
https://twitter.com/RealDreylo/status/1186567342408556544
https://twitter.com/royzkingin/status/1186564732481867776
https://twitter.com/UgwunnaEjikem/status/1186567388692668416
https://twitter.com/theOsasCruz/status/1186555712975101953
Had Pablo remained in his biz & influenced the politics of the day, he will still be here.
Had Frank Lucas refused his wife coat that night, the Feds wouldn't have seen him.Mompha & others need to watch lots of organized crime movies.
Stay low, off radar— Michel_231 (@231_michel) October 22, 2019
The next housemate to be evicted from the BigFrauder house is ……
Mompha!
Hushpuppi: No leave No Transfer!
Glory&Clyde: Warrrrrriiiii#gloryosei
— Fredrick (@quest_un) October 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/MistaChika/status/1186551434868936704
https://twitter.com/demithacreator/status/1186550054527668224
https://twitter.com/EWAWUNMIII/status/1186617500861173760
https://twitter.com/volqx/status/1186614127747387399
Many Nigerians was like "GOD WHEN"
when Invictus Obi was onboardMore people are still asking "GOD WHY"
now that Hushpuppi is in powerMany asked same questions before the
endgame by Interpol for MomphaYou don't know what you don't know
Who the cap fit, let them wear it— I Z U (@Izumichaels_Iam) October 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/ObongRoviel/status/1186568605372157952
https://twitter.com/IszybeeTheFirst/status/1186581017454403584