Alleged N6bn Fraud: Absence of Defence Lawyer Stalls Mompha’s Trial
Category: Crime News
The absence of the defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), in court on Wednesday
stalled the trial in absentia of suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha,
popularly known as Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
No reason was given for his absence. Justice Mojisola Dada of the
Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja had to adjourn the
commencement of trial to December 16.
At the last sitting of the
court, the judge had ordered the continuation of Mompha’s trial despite his
continued absence in court. Justice Dada made the order at the instance of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ: EFCC Counters Mompha's Claim That He Was Advised To Keep A Low Profile
The court made the
order following a submission by the EFCC counsel, Mr Abbas Mohammed, that the
defendant had jumped bail and the Commission had made frantic efforts to
rearrest Mompha without success.
At the proceedings today, the EFCC
Prosecutor, Mr. S. I Suleiman told the Court that the Commission was ready to
proceed with the trial but Mompha’s counsel was absent.
“The learned
Silk ought to appear for commencement of trial, we have two witnesses in court,
they’ve been seated in the court,” he said.
READ: EFCC Declares Mompha Wanted
The counsel was, however,
disposed to allowing another adjournment for the defence team to appear in
court.
Justice Dada subsequently adjourned to give the defence
another opportunity to be present in court.
Mompha was arrested on
January 10, 2022, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and
arraigned on Jan. 12 alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited,
on an 8-count charge of alleged money laundering of over N6 billion.
READ: EFCC Arrests Mompha's Lebanese Partner at His N1.8BN Lagos Apartment
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