Corruption
Money Laundering: Court Revokes Mompha’s N200m Bail, Orders His Arrest
Justice Mojisola Dada issued the warrant following his continued failure to present himself for his trial.
A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, revoked the N200m bail earlier granted to one Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Justice Mojisola Dada issued the warrant following his continued failure to present himself for his trial.
Mompha, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity.
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He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, prompting the commencement of his trial.
The defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, had, during the June 16, 2022 sitting, pleaded for a stand down, assuring the Court that his client would attend the proceedings.
However, the defendant still failed to show up in court, despite the .stand down.
When the case was eventually called, the defendant was again absent in court, prompting Justice Dada to ask: “So, where is the defendant?”
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In his response, Oyewole, who also expressed surprise at the development, told the court that he was given the assurance that the defendant would be in court.
“I had his assurance until yesterday night that he will be in court, and that was why I was waiting downstairs for him,” he said.
Oyewole further told the court that following the absence of the defendant at the last sitting, he made efforts to ensure that the defendant was in court for the continuation of the trial.
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Reacting to the development, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, said: “If I say that this development is not shocking, it will be an understatement.
“As of yesterday, the learned Senior Advocate discussed with me and assured me that we should continue today with this proceedings.”
Oyedepo then informed the court that, “we’ve been able to file a plea bargain that he signed.”
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He noted that the defence counsel seemed to have taken some steps, adding that “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.”
Consequently, Justice Dada ruled that “The bail of the defendant is once again revoked and a bench warrant issued for his arrest against the next adjourned date of Thursday, 30th June 2022.”