Wale Igbintade
The Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos State has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of embattled suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha alias Mompha.
Ismaila Mustapha is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 8-count charge bordering on the offences of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6 billion, along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
He was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada and granted bail.
Mompha was arrested on January 10, 2022, by the EFCC, arraigned and granted bail.
However, the defendant on two occasions failed to appear in court for his trial.
At the last adjourned date, the defendant’s matter could not proceed due to his absence.
During proceedings yesterday, 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 lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo and defence counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, told the court that the development shocked them.
Justice Dada, thereafter expressed concerns about the excused that was given that the Defendant tested positive to COVID-19, which was found to be false.
Consequently, Justice Dada revoked the defendant’s bail and ordered his arrest.
She adjourned further proceeding till 30th June, 2022.
