African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and *Ovation Magazine* publisher, Dele Momodu, has shared a dramatic throwback story of how his high-level political contacts helped him avoid detention by security forces at London’s Heathrow Airport.

 

Recounting the incident in a viral online video while speaking with a group of young Nigerians, the veteran journalist revealed that he was intercepted by security officers while transit-bound for South Africa due to carrying 18 old mobile phones in his luggage.

 

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**Key Takeaways from the Incident**

 

* **The Airport Interception:** Customs officials and Special Forces intercepted Momodu at Heathrow Airport, suspecting that carrying 18 phones constituted commercial smuggling.

* **The Media Tactic:** Momodu explained that establishing credibility as a high-profile journalist requires demonstrating access to world leaders and global figures.

* **The Diplomatic "Name-Drop":** To prove his professional identity, Momodu pulled out his iPad and began dialing saved contact numbers, including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

* **The Resolution:** After recognizing his elite access—and noting the symbolic authority of the Queen over UK Customs—officials released him, allowing him to barely catch his outbound flight.

 

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**On the Power of Media Contacts**

 

Reflecting on the encounter, the veteran publisher emphasized the practical value of networking and maintaining credibility in journalism.

 

> *"People don’t know that name-dropping is part of media. Who do you know? Who have you interviewed? Who have you met? I just opened the iPad and the first number I dialled was Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and former US President Bill Clinton... You know that the queen is the head of Customs in the UK, that was when they left us after we almost missed our flight."*

> — **Dele Momodu**

 

Momodu's anecdote serves as an engaging look into the world of international journalism, demonstrating how high-level connections can turn a stressful security encounter into an unforgettable story.