Again, Mompha Shuns Court, Case Adjourned Till Sept. 21
The absence of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), again, on Thursday, stalled his alleged Six Billion Naira (N6,000,000,000.00) only money laundering trial before a Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on eight counts bordering on money laundering.
Justice Mojisola Dada 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 16th June.
On 10th June, the EFCC accused him of flouting the court’s order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday EFCC counsel, Mr Samuel Daji told the court that the Commission was still in the process of re-arresting Mustapha.
He prayed the court to adjourn the case.
“My lord, we are still making frank efforts to re-arrest the defendant wherever and whenever he is found.
“We humbly ask for another date from the court,” Daji said.
Defence counsel, Mr Kolawole Salami, also prayed the court for an extension of time to bring back the defendant to court.
“My lord, we are working with the prosecution to make sure that the defendant is brought back to court.
“We confirm with the prosecution and also plead for another date,” Salami said.
Justice Dada thereafter adjourned the case until 21st September for further report.
The charges against Mustapha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.
The 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.
