Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
Embattled Dubai-based Nigerian businessman Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, has spoken out hours after EFCC declared him wanted.
Esabod Global News reports that the anti-graft agency had arraigned Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, for alleged fraud.
EFCC accused the socialite and his company of N6 billion fraud on January 12.
In a fresh eight-count charge, EFCC accused Mompha of conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity and laundering funds received through illegal activity.
He was remanded in the custody of the EFCC but later granted a bail of N200 million, which he couldn’t fulfil.
On June 10, the commission accused the socialite of defying a court order and travelling to Dubai with a new passport.
On June 22, a Lagos court revoked the bail granted to him due to his absence from trial.
In a fresh update, Mompha, was again declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this via its Twitter handle on Wednesday.
It had urged Nigerians with information on Mompha’s whereabouts to speak up or contact the nearest police station.
“Wanted by the EFCC: Ismaila Mustapha. Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the EFCC or the nearest police station,” EFCC wrote.
Breaking his silence, Mompha slammed the commission.
Sharing his side of the story, Mompha revealed that after his arrest and arraignment on the first case at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on the 10th of December, 2021, the court gave him judgement and ordered EFCC to release my wrist watches and other valuables in their custody to him.
However, being bitter, the EFCC were dissatisfied with the court’s judgment and came up with another trumped-up charge against him.
He revealed that when he went to the commission to retrieve his wristwatch and other possession, he was held down at their office and charged to court.
The EFCC arraigned him before a familiar judge who made his bail difficult, and he had to sleep in their custody for 2months.
Upon his release, he travelled to see his family and lawyer, where the EFCC lawyer, along with an EFCC operative, chose to capitalise on the fact that he travelled to blackmail him into entering a plea bargain with EFCC else he would inform the judge of his travel.
Mompha claimed that the commission demanded N142 million as compensation and for him to sign a one-year imprisonment sentence which he was uncomfortable with.
After that, they reduced it to N40 million naira and one-year imprisonment.
Mompa’s refusal to sign the plea bargain and play to their game, made the commission informed the judge that he traveled and without any concrete evidence, the judge declared him wanted.
Esabod Global news recalls Mompha had threatened violence.
The founder of Ismalob Global Investment had vowed to cause turbulence.
Unleashing his fury, he stated that he was ready for anything that would happen to him.
He vowed that he wouldn’t allow no justice and corrupt judicial system in Nigeria.
“Made up my mind Already. There will be Turbulence this week and am ready for any shit that is gonna happen. No justice and corrupt judicial system in Nigeria.
Comments
Post a Comment