By Tunde Eso
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday said social media celebrity, Ismaila (Mompha) Mustapha, charged with N6 billion money laundering, had been re-arrested.
The EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, told the Ikeja Special Offences Court that the prosecution, in collaboration with its international partners, had secured the arrest of Mompha.
"The prosecution would 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," Mr Suleiman said.
Justice Mojisola Dada, thereafter, adjourned the case until July 3 for the continuation of the trial.
The court had, on September 21, 2022, ordered the commencement of trial of the defendant in absentia after he failed to appear before the court.
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 had, on June 22, 2022, issued a bench warrant for Mompha's arrest following his absence in court.
Ms 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 disregarding 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 illegal activities.
Others are retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretence, and failure to disclose assets. NAN