An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday ordered the continuation of the trial of the media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), charged with an alleged Six Billion Naira money laundering offence in absence.
Justice Mojisola Dada had therefore adjourned further hearing in the suit till 16th November.
“Make sure you bring your witnesses on that date,” Dada directed counsel to the prosecution.
She further ruled that his trial was to continue in absentia following futile effort by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest him after jumping bail.
The EFCC counsel, Mr Abbas Mohammed, said that the Commission had made frantic efforts to arrest the defendant but to no avail.
“We also wrote letters to our counterpart to secure the presence of the defendant in this Honourable court.
“My lord, we shall be asking for another date to enable prosecution of the defendant on trial in absentia.
The defence counsel, Mr Kolawale Salami, also aligned with the prosecution and also confirmed the position of the Commission.
It will be recalled that the absence of the defendant on 30 June stalled his money laundering trial before the court.
The EFCC charged Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited on eight counts of Six Billion Naira laundering.
The court had on 22 June issued a bench warrant for Mustapha’s arrest following his absence in court.
Justice Dada also revoked the bail she granted the defendant.
The social media celebrity was equally absent in court on 16 June.
On 10 June, EFCC accused him of flouting the court’s order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.
The charge against Mustapha includes conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and the laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.
Other charges include retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretences, and failure to disclose assets.