May 15, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has rearrested a social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, alias Mompha, for alleged money laundering, totalling N6 billion.
Suleiman Suleiman, Counsel to the Commission, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday, that the prosecution in collaboration with its international partners had secured the arrest of Mompha.
“The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant.
“We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court. The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking for an adjournment that he will be absent today in court”, Suleiman said.
Justice Mojisola Dada, thereafter, adjourned the case until July 3 for continuation of trial.
THEWILL recalls that the court had on Sept. 21, 2022, ordered the commencement of trial of the defendant in absentia after he failed to appear before the court.
The EFCC had on Jan. 22, 2022 arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment, on an eight-count charge of N6 billion laundering, which he pleaded not guilty to.
While the court had on June 22, 2022 issued a bench warrant for Mompha’s arrest following his absence in court, Justice l Dada also revoked the bail she granted the defendant.
The charges against Mompha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretence, and failure to disclose assets.
