Ismalia Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, is one socialite who has become synonymous with controversial news headlines and declarations of warrant of arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One thing that, however, makes him stand out is how he never fails to bounce back and drag not just the EFCC for arresting him, but also everyone who dragged him while he was down.
His controversial nature is part of his strength and one of the many reasons why people love him. His travails have become a piece of news that is no longer ‘news’ to fans. The Nigerian socialite has been a buzz on social media.
Hence, it pays to know who Ismalia Mustapha is and how he became this controversial.
Ismaila Mustapha biography
Ismaila Mustapha, better known as Mompha, was born in 1979, in Lagos, Nigeria. Although he was born in Lagos State, Mustapha originally hails from Oyo State. His father was a deeply committed Muslim, while his mother was a vibrant local market trader. His parents shared a common dream of seeking better opportunities for their family, which led them to move to the bustling state of Lagos.
His father’s unwavering faith and his mother’s enterprising spirit shaped Mompha’s upbringing, instilling in him a blend of religious devotion, a keen entrepreneurial mindset and the values and traditions of their homeland. This can be seen in his present life and business endeavours.
Mustapha, who completed his secondary education at Government College, Ikorodu, worked hard to make a name for himself via his business and today, he is a well-known figure in Nigerian social media circles. He is renowned for his opulent lifestyle and lavish expenditures.
With residences in both Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the socialite frequently divides his time between the two countries. Also, due to his reported substantial wealth, Mompha has attracted a wide circle of affluent friends from various walks of life, including the entertainment industry and beyond.
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Some notable personalities he has been seen with include Tiwa Savage, Davido and Patoranking. Notably, he was once photographed with Mallam Nasiru El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, who previously served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This encounter took place aboard an aircraft, showcasing Mompha’s connections in high-profile circles.
Ismaila Mustapha career
Mustapha is the proprietor and Chief Executive Officer of Mompha Bureau De Change, a currency exchange establishment, situated on Bankole Street, Balogun, in the heart of Lagos Island.
There has been considerable speculation surrounding Mustapha, with many of his fans and followers wondering about the source of his immense wealth despite the business he fronts. Opinions vary, as some people believe that he is involved in a legitimate and legal money exchange business while others accuse him of being a fraudster and internet scammer engaged in money laundering and other illicit activities.
Even though he is the owner and CEO of Mompha Bureau De Change, recent events have seen him come under the scrutiny of the EFCC. This has raised questions about the legality of his business dealings and prompted speculation about his true activities.
Only time will tell the outcome of the case and whether there is any substance to the allegations against him.
Ismaila Mustapha’s net worth
According to reports online, Mustapha’s net worth has been estimated to be between $10 million (₦4,620,000,000) to $15 million (₦6,930,000,000). For a Nigerian who was not born into wealth, it might seem like a very huge net worth.
He has a fleet of cars, including 2021 Mercedes GLE63s, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Ferrari 488 Spider and Lexus LX, etc. He has also been spotted wearing expensive wristwatches such as Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Audemars Piguet, Audemars Piguet- J46220, XY Hublot – 1321920 and an XY Hublot- 924206.
Ismaila Mustapha controversies
Mustapha might be his real name but Mompha – his alias – is the name that many have come to know as controversial.
Over the years, Mompha and controversy have become two sides of a coin because when he is not arrested by the EFCC and accused of money laundering, he is accused of fraudulent acts.
As the saying goes, “There is no smoke without fire.” Most of the accusations constantly levied against him always revolve around fraudulent acts and illegal acquisitions of wealth. This has led many to refer to him as a man who indulges in fraudulent activities i.e. a ‘yahoo yahoo’ boy.
Despite being arrested several times by the EFCC over the years, the self-acclaimed businessman always finds a way to make bail or debunk the arrest rumours. His most recent controversy was the rumours going around on social media that he was arrested once again by the EFCC in May 2023 for allegedly laundering the sum of N6 million.
Reacting to the rumours, the social media celebrity wrote on Instagram: “Idan was not arrested by EFCC; 33BG is not in EFCC custody.” He subsequently called on the anti-graft agency to desist from engaging in a media trial, saying that he would be produced in court on July 3, 2023.
He wrote: “Contrary to the recent publication in most media platforms in Nigeria that I, Mompha, was rearrested by the EFCC. I want to use this medium to expose the corrupt and mischievous commission again that I was neither rearrested nor am I in their custody.
“This assertion by the EFCC is laughable because I am currently not in Nigeria more or less rearrested.
“I hereby urge the commission to desist from this insensible media trial and stop misleading people through the press/media that I am in your custody and would produce me before the court on July 3.”
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Back in January 2022, according to newspaper reports, the EFCC arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment, on an eight-count charge of laundering N6 billion, to which he pleaded “not guilty”.
In 2019, it was reported that the Lagos Zonal Office of the EFCC “arrested social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha, for alleged involvement in Internet-related fraud and money laundering”.
Considering how often he has been arrested, Mustapha (a.k.a. Mompha) has become a regular face at the EFCC office.
Ismaila Mustapha family
Mustapha is a proud family man with a family of four. He is happily married to his wife, popularly referred to as ‘Cash Madam’, and the couple has two children.
His son is named Mompha Junior, while his daughter is named Princess Fatima Mustapha.
They are his pride and serve as a constant reminder of the importance of family values. The famous businessman never fails to flaunt his cute children on his Instagram page. He often posts cute snaps of his daughter with captions about life as he encourages the youth to work hard to make it in life.
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Ismaila Mustapha age
Ismalia Mustapha was born on June 16, 1979. He is currently 43 years old and will be 44 years old in 2023.
Ismaila Mustapha Instagram
On Instagram, Ismaila Mustapha goes by the name @mompha and he has 1.1 million followers, as of the time of writing this piece. Over the years, the businessman has been able to establish himself and has become one of the popular figures on social media.
He never fails to flaunt his lavish lifestyle and material possessions on his Instagram page. From his luxury cars to expensive wristwatches, the public is well aware of his opulent lifestyle. His Instagram page is filled with travel, lifestyle, and food posts.
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