Court issues bench warrant against Mompha over alleged N6bn money laundering

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday issued a bench warrant against the social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, alias Mompha, charged with alleged N6 billion money laundering.

Justice Mojisola Dada, therefore, revoked the bail granted Mompha, following his absence in court

NAN reports that the absence of Mompha on June 16 stalled the court proceedings.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 10, accused Mompha of flouting the court order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.

“The bail of the defendant is once again revoked and a bench warrant issued for his arrest against the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.

He adjourned the matter until June 30 for further proceedings.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, had pleaded with the court for a stand-down of the matter but the defendant failed to show up in court.

The case was stood down until noon at the instance of the prosecution.

However, when the case was called again, the defendant was absent in court which prompted the judge to ask the defence counsel the whereabouts of the defendant.

I am also surprised at the development my lord because the defendant gave me an assurance that he will be in court.

“I had his assurance up till yesterday night that he will be in court and that was why I was waiting downstairs for him,”

“I made an effort to ensure that the defendant is in court today following his absence at the last date of adjournment but to no avail,” he said.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the commission had filed a plea bargain which the defendant filed and that the new development was shocking.

He added that the defence counsel had assured him on Tuesday that the defendant would be in court.

“If I say that this development is not shocking it will be an understatement, my lord. As of yesterday the learned senior advocate discussed this with me and assured me that we should continue today with this proceeding.

“The defence counsel seemed to have taken some steps but it appears it is not yielding any results.

“I urge your lordship to issue a warrant for his arrest and for the production of the defendant before your lordship,” Oyedepo said.

The EFCC, on Jan.12, charged Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, with six billion Naira money laundering.

The eight-count charge includes conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.

The other charges include retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of documents containing false pretences and failure to disclose assets.