EFCC re-arrests Mompha for N6bn money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its officers have re-arrested social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, well known as Mompha, who was charged with N6 billion money laundering.

The EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, on Monday, May 15, told the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, that the anti-graft agency, in collaboration with its international partners, has arrested Mompha.

Suleiman said: “The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant.

“We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court.

“The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking an adjournment that he will be absent today in court.”

READ ALSO: EFCC declares Mompha wanted for fraud

The presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada, thereafter, adjourned the case until July 3, 2023, for continuation of trial.

The court had, on September 21, 2022, ordered the commencement of trial of Mompha in absentia after he failed to appear before the court.

The EFCC had, on January 22, 2022, arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment, on an eight-count charge of N6 billion laundering, which he pleaded not guilty to.

The court, on June 22, 2022, issued a bench warrant for Mompha’s arrest following his absence in court.

Justice Dada revoked the bail she granted the defendant.

The social media celebrity was equally absent in court on June 16, 2022.

On June 10, 2022 EFCC accused him 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.

Others are retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretense, and failure to disclose assets.

The Star