Court revokes Mompha’s bail, orders his rearrest

A Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ismaila Mustapha, a suspected internet fraudster popularly known as Mompha.

The internet personality was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on 10th of January, but was arraigned and granted bail.

Justice Mojisola Dada ordered his re-arrest on Wednesday, June 22 for failing to appear in court on two prior dates for trial continuation.

EFCC is prosecuting Ismaila alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an 8-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering of over 6 billion Naira.

The judge stood down the matter for a while at the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, expecting the defendant’s arrival, yet Mompha failed to appear in court.

Lead counsel to the anti-graft agency, Rotimi Oyedepo, asked the court for another stand down, but the judge returned the request.

The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the excuse given by Mompha’s counsel. Oyedepo, then urged the court to order Mompha’s arrest.

“My Lord should issue a warrant of arrest on the production of the defendant before your lordship,” Oyedepo said.

Justice Dada revoked Mompha’s bail and ordered his arrest.

The trial has been adjourned till June 30.