Absence Of Defence Lawyer Stalls Mompha’s Trial

The absence of the defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), in court on Wednesday halted the trial in absentia of suspected internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, otherwise known as Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.

No major reason was given for his absence. Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja had to postpone the commencement of trial to December 16.

At the last sitting of the court, the judge had ordered the continuation of Mompha’s trial regardless of his continued absence in court. Justice Dada made the order at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court made the order after a submission by the EFCC counsel, Mr Abbas Mohammed, that the defendant had jumped bail and the Commission had made all efforts possible to rearrest Mompha without success.

At the proceedings today, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr. S. I Suleiman told the Court that the Commission was set to proceed with the trial but Mompha’s counsel was absent.

“The learned Silk ought to appear for commencement of trial, we have two witnesses in court, they’ve been seated in the court,” he said.

Justice Dada subsequently adjourned to give the defence another opportunity to be present in court.