Admin l Wednesday, September 21, 2022
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Justice Mojisola Dada of a Special Offences Court, Ikeja has fixed further trial of suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha alias Mompha for November 16.
She fixed the date even as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said it has written its counterparts as part of efforts to secure his presence in court. Mompha has been on the run, forcing the court to continue his trial in absential.
During proceedings today, Mr. A. O Mohammed announced appearance for the prosecution, stating that the commission had made frantic effort to arrest the defendant, adding,” We have also written letters to our counterpart to secure the presence of the defendant to this honourable court.
The EFCC counsel said “My Lord, we will be asking for another date to enable prosecution of the defendant on trial in absential.
Aligning with the prosecution, counsel who held brief for the defence counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, Mr. Kolawale Salami and Ademola. confirmed the position of the commission and asked for adjournment.
Subsequently, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned trial till November 16, 2022 for continuation of trial, while the judge ordered, “Make sure you bring your witnesses on that date, she told the commission.
Recall that the judge had earlier issued a bench warrant in the defendant for failing to appear in court for trial.
Ismaila Mustapha who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 8-count charge bordering on the offences of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6billion, along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
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 scheduled dates for his trial. At the last adjourned date, the defendant’s matter could not proceed due to his absence.
