Mompha for plea bargain with EFCC over alleged N6b fraud

A special offences court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State has adjourned the money laundering trial of internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha to June 10 for plea bargain agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) At the said date, it is expected that both the EFCC and Mompha would have reached a final agreement in the proposed plea bargain over alleged N6billion money laundering charge against the suspect.

A statement by the EFCC said Justice Mojisola Dada on Thursday fixed the date in anticipation of the final agreement between the prosecution and the defence team of both parties.

At the proceeding on Thursday, Kolawole Salami who held brief for Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) informed the court that discussions were ongoing on plea bargain with EFCC.

The counsel prayed the court for extension of time for both parties to reach a conclusion. He added that a meeting was held at prosecution’s office at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the terms of the proposal. EFCC counsel, Mr S.I. Suleiman, confirmed the position of the defence counsel and also prayed for an adjournment.

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Justice Dada gave the date after defence and prosecution counsels prayed for extension of time. It would be recalled that Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited was arrested on January 10, 2022 by EFCC, and subsequently arraigned him on a 8-count charge bordering on the offences of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6billion, along with his company.

The counts include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities. He was also charged for retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from unlawful act, possession of document containing false pretenses and failure to disclose assets.