Admin l Wednesday, June 22, 2022
LAGOS, Nigeria – A Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja today issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha alias Mompha.
Justice Mojisola Dada issued the order following the refusal of Mompha to attend hearing for a second time.
Mompha is being prosecuted along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 8-count charge bothering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6billion.
It will be recalled that Mompha and his company Ismalob Global Investment Limited was arrested on January 10, 2022 by EFCC, arraigned and granted bail. However, the defendant has failed to appear in court on two occasions.
At the last adjourned date, the defendant’s matter could not proceed due to his absence. During proceedings today, the judge stood down the matter for a while in expectation of the defendant’s arrival, yet he failed to appear in court again.
Subsequently, the EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo and defence counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, told the court that the development shocked them. Justice Dada, thereafter expressed concerns about the excused that was given that he tested positive to COVID-19 was found to be false.
The judge then ordered his arrest and adjourned further proceeding till 30th June, 2022.
