Dele Momodu's Near-Detention at Heathrow Over Phones

Dele Momodu, a veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, recounted an incident at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom where he was nearly detained due to having 18 mobile phones in his bag. While traveling to South Africa with a senator, airport officials questioned him about the number of phones.

Momodu stated he currently carries six phones, some with dual SIMs, and keeps others in reserve. During the encounter, officials called special forces to investigate, asking him about his profession.

Momodu identified himself as a journalist and was asked to provide proof. He used his iPad to display photographs of prominent figures he had interviewed, including Queen Elizabeth II and former U.S.

President Bill Clinton, to establish his credibility. The officials then referred him to Customs, where he faced further questioning about the phones, which were deemed a commercial quantity despite being old devices.