Suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, more known as Mompha, has had his N200 Million bail revoked by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, even as the judge also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
It would be recalled that Mompha, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretence and use of property derived from unlawful act.
The socialmedia influencer was arrested on January 10, 2022, by EFCC, arraigned and granted bail, but after failing to appear in court on two scheduled dates for his trial, and his absence at the last adjourned date, affected the continuation of his case.
Justice Mojisola Dada at the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, stood down the matter for a while in expectation of the defendant’s arrival, but Mompha failed to appear in court again, irking the presiding judge.
The lead counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo asked the court for further stand down, but the request was turned down by the judge, who subsequently asked, ‘Where is the defendant?’
Addressing the court, Oyedepo told the court that he was shocked by the development.
At that point, Justice Dada, said, “The excuse that was given that he tested positive for COVID-19 was found to be false.”
The prosecution counsel, Oyedepo then urged the judge to issue a warrant of arrest to ensure the defendant is produced in court, with Justice Dada revoking Mompha’s bail while ordering his arrest.
The case was further adjourned till June 30, 2022.
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