Ismaila Mustapha Alias Mompha, Nigerian socialite and Internet celebrity, sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after he was re-arrested on Friday. Mompla through his lawyer has appealed with the Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the anti-graft agency to pay him N5m for what he termed as an unlawful re-arrest.

In July 24, 2020, Justice Mohammed Liman ordered the release of the seized items taken from Mompha on the grounds that the EFCC did not list them as exhibits in court.  Following the court order, Mompha  went to the EFCC office in Ikoyi Lagos, to reclaim his seized items which led to his rearrest.

Mr Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), representing Mompha,filed a law suit on Tuesday to declare that his re-arrest and detention by the EFCC was unjustifiable and unlawful.

Gboyega  also urged the court to declare that the continued seizure of the items violated his right to own property under Section 44 of the constitution.

He stated that the court should order the EFCC not only to free him but also to give him back the seized items and pay him N5m damages.

Kayode Adeboye a litigation officer,contended that Mompha’s arrest was baseless because he had been granted bail by the court and he never absconded. he also stated that Mompha had been reporting at the EFCC office fortnightly without default.