Lagos Special Offences Court has ordered the continuation of the trial of the social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha commonly known as Mompha, for alleged N6 billion fraud in his absence.
In August, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared the Mompha wanted after he jumped bail.
The commission arraigned Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge of money laundering.
Other charges include 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.
On June 30, the defendant was also absent which hindered his trial. He was also absent in court on June 16.
This led to the warrant for absence issued by Justice Dada on June 22.
She also revoked the bail granted the defendant.
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At the proceeding on Wednesday, Justice Mojisola Dada ordered the continuation of his trial despite his absence.
Abbas Mohammed, EFCC counsel, told the court that the commission had made frantic efforts to arrest the defendant but to no avail.
We also wrote letters to our counterpart to secure the presence of the defendant to this Honourable court,” he said.
“My lord, we shall be asking for another date to enable prosecution of the defendant on trial in absentia.”
The defence counsel, Mr. Kolawale Salami, also aligned with the prosecution and confirmed the commission’s position.
The judge adjourned the case till November 16.
“Make sure you bring your witnesses on that date,” Dada said.
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