The slated trial in absential, of embattled suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha alias Mompha and his company, Ismalob has been stalled on Wednesday due to absence of the defence counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, SAN.
Justice Mojisola Dada of a Special Offences Court, Ikeja thereafter fixed trial to December 16.
His trial was to continue in absential on Wednesday (today) following effort by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to arrest him after he jumped bail.
Also, the defendant was still not present in court.
The EFCC Prosecutor, Mr. S. I Suleiman announced appearance for the prosecution stating that, “The learned Silk ought to appear for commencement of trial, we have two witnesses in court, they’ve been seated in the court.”
The counsel was disposed to allowing another adjournment for the defence team to appear in court.
Recall that the judge had earlier ruled that the trial of the defendant must proceed in his absence.
Mustapha who is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 8-count charge bordering on the offences of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6billion, along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
It will be recalled that Mompha and his company Ismalob Global Investment Limited was arrested on January 10, 2022 by EFCC, arraigned and granted bail.
However, the defendant has failed severally to appear in court on scheduled dates for his trial.
