Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has recalled an unusual encounter with UK airport officials over the number of mobile phones in his possession.
Momodu said he was almost detained at Heathrow Airport after officials discovered 18 phones in his bag.
He shared the experience while discussing his habit of using multiple mobile phones during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast.
‘I Had 18 Phones in My Bag’
Momodu said he was travelling to South Africa with a senator when airport officials stopped him.
According to him, the officials questioned him about the large number of phones he was carrying.
He said security personnel eventually placed the phones in a tray and asked him about his occupation.
“I said, ‘I’m a journalist.’ ‘Is that why you are carrying 18 phones?’” Momodu recalled.
He said he responded that he was unaware of any rule preventing him from travelling with 18 phones.
How He Proved He Was a Journalist
The officials reportedly asked Momodu to provide evidence of his profession.
He said he had an iPad with him and used it to show photographs of people he had interviewed or met during his career.
Momodu recalled showing images of the late Queen Elizabeth II and former United States President Bill Clinton.
He described the experience as part of how journalists sometimes establish their professional identity.
According to him, the move helped explain his background to the officials.
Customs Officials Took Over
Momodu said the matter was later referred to Customs.
He said Customs officers also questioned him about the 18 phones.
According to the journalist, the number of devices raised concerns because it was considered a possible commercial quantity.
Momodu explained that the phones were old and were not being carried for commercial purposes.
He said the Customs officials nevertheless continued their questioning.
Momodu Still Uses Multiple Phones
The veteran journalist also spoke about his current phone habits.
He said he now has six mobile phones.
Some of the devices reportedly have dual-SIM capability.
Momodu added that he also keeps additional phones in reserve.
His Heathrow experience, he suggested, showed how carrying many devices can attract questions from airport and Customs officials, even when the owner has a legitimate reason for having them.
