In the continuing trial of a social media personality, Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a. Mompha, in absentia, an Ikeja Special Offences Court has allowed further papers.
Mompha’s trial in absentia began before the court on June 3.
Ismaila Mustapha is facing an eight-count accusation of conspiracy and money laundering in excess of a billion dollars before Justice Mojisola Dada.
He and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, were both charged.
On Monday, September 18, Justice Dada allowed further papers as evidence against Mompha during the resumption of proceedings.
Suleiman Suleiman, prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), presented two documents: a report by the USA-based Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and an investigative report on Mompha’s iPhone, which the agency claimed was used for fraudulent practices.
The defense team, lead by Kolawole Salami, opposed to the two documents being admitted as evidence, claiming that because they are public records, they must first be authenticated by the US Consulate.
“The documents are not a certified true copy,” Salami said, “and should not be admitted in court.”
The prosecution witness also said in court that the FBI determined, during analysis, that Mompha’s iPhone was also used to shift payment delivery from cheque to wire transfer after a third try.
“The iPhone was used to make three attempts to transfer funds,” Solademi stated. The first two failed, but the third succeeded.”
The case has been delayed to November 1, 2023 by Justice Dada.
Mompha was detained by the EFCC on January 10, 2022, charged in court, and given bail.
Since then, the defendant has failed to appear in court on two planned trial days.