As a result of the absence of the prosecution witness, the trial of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), charged with N6 billion money laundering has been stalled before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.
At the commencement of Mompha’s trial before the court, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, informed the judge that the prosecution’s next witness was not in the country.
The anti-graft agency therefore prayed the judge to allow the witness to give his evidence via virtual hearing.
Buhari said, “My lord, we are sorry our witness could not make it to court today because he is out of the country for training.
“We, however, apply that the witness’ evidence be taken virtually.”
But counsel for the defence, Mr Kolawole Salami, objected to the request of the prosecution on the reason that the Commission had ample time to prepare and bring their witnesses.
In Salami’s words: “My lord, the prosecution had enough time to prepare and bring their witnesses only to apply for a virtual hearing this morning without any notification.
“We ask that their oral application be dismissed.”
In her ruling, Justice Dada threw out the prosecution’s oral application and adjourned until December 19 for the continuation of the trial.
It would be recalled that the EFCC had on September 18, 2023, tendered some documents through an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mr Ayotunde Solademi, against Mompha.
The documents were reports by the FBI and an investigative report on Mompha’s iPhone, which the agency claimed was used for fraudulent activities.
Before this time, Mompha’s trial while not present had started on June 3 when a compliance officer with a new generation bank testified against him.
The anti-graft agency had told the judge that on May 15 it secured his (Mompha’s) arrest in collaboration with its international partners.
Then Justice Dada, on September 21, directed the commencement of Mompha’s trial in absentia after he failed to appear before it.
The EFCC had, on January 22, arraigned Mumpha alongside his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on eight counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of N6 billion.
Following his absence in court, Justice Dada June 22, issued a bench warrant for his arrest and also revoked the bail earlier granted to Mompha.
The social media celebrity was equally absent in court on June 16.
The EFCC had on June 10 accused Mompha of flouting the court’s order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.
The charges against Mompha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.
Other allegations against the defendant are retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretences, and failure to disclose assets.