Dele Momodu recounts near-detention at UK airport over 18 phones

Renowned journalist and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu revealed that he narrowly avoided detention at Heathrow Airport in the UK after officials discovered 18 mobile phones in his bag. In a video shared on Tuesday from an associate’s page, Momodu explained that he was traveling to South Africa with a senator when he was stopped by airport officials.

Upon questioning about the number of phones he was carrying, Momodu, who currently owns six phones with some having dual SIM capabilities, insisted on providing proof of his profession as a journalist. Utilizing an iPad to showcase notable figures he had interviewed or met, including Queen Elizabeth II and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Momodu aimed to establish his identity and professional standing.

The officials referred him to Customs after they deemed the 18 phones a commercial quantity, despite Momodu clarifying that they were old devices. Requiring additional questioning, Momodu reiterated his profession and continued to demonstrate the Queen on his iPad, demonstrating the significance of name-dropping in the media industry.