Ismaila Mustapha, nicknamed Mompha, a well-known figure on social media, has once again been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicion of allegedly laundering N6 billion.
On Monday, Suleiman Suleiman, Counsel to the Commission, informed an Ikeja Special Offenses Court that Mompha had been arrested thanks to the prosecution’s cooperation with its overseas allies.
“The prosecution would like to inform my lord that we were able to apprehend the defendant thanks to the assistance of our foreign allies.
“We intend to get him arrested and present him in court. Suleiman added, “The defendant’s attorney contacted me asking for a postponement since he will not be in court today.
Following then, the case was postponed until July 3 to continue the trial.
On September 21, 2022, the court ordered the defendant’s trial to start in absentia because he had neglected to show up.
Mompha and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment, were charged by the EFCC with eight counts of laundering N6 billion on January 22, 2022. Mompha pled not guilty to the charges.
In addition to revoking the defendant’s bail, Justice l. Dada issued a bench warrant for Mompha’s arrest on June 22, 2022, as a result of his failure to appear in court.
Mompha is accused of conspiring to launder money obtained through illegal activity, laundering money obtained through illegal activity, keeping the proceeds of criminal activity, using property obtained through illegal activity, having a document with a false pretence, and failing to disclose assets.
