(UPDATE) MONEY LAUNDERING: MOMPHA'S ABSENCE STALLS HIS TRIAL AGAIN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, nicknamed Mompha, is accused of engaging in alleged internet fraud. On Thursday, 30th of June, 2022 the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offense Court in Ikeja set September 21 for further trial.

Mompha, who is under investigation by the Economic Financial Crime Commission, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, were both charged with eight counts relating to conspiracy and money laundering offenses totaling over N6 billion Naira.

On January 10, 2022, the EFCC detained the internet celebrity and his business, Ismalob Global Investment Limited. He was charged and given bail.

It was noted that on June 22, Justice Mojisola Dada had issued a bench warrant for Mustapha’s arrest because the defendant had missed two consecutive scheduled court dates.

However, the defendant has once more delayed his trial by absenting himself from court.

After his absence from court on Thursday, Mr. Samuel Daji, an attorney for the EFCC, informed the court that Mustapha was still being sought by the agency.

He requested that the case be adjourned in court.

“We will continue to make sincere efforts to re-arrest the defendant wherever and whenever he is located, My Lord.”

Daji stated, “We respectfully urge the court for another date.”

Mr. Kolawole Salami, the defense attorney, also requested from the court an extension of time to bring the defendant back into court.

“My Lord, the prosecution and I are coordinating to bring the defendant back to court.”

Salami stated, “We confirm with the prosecution and also appeal for another date.”

For a follow-up report, Dada adjourned the case until September 21.