The absence of the defence counsel to Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a. Mompha has stalled his trial for an alleged N6 billion money laundering charge before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

Mompha is facing an eight-count charge alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited before Justice Mojisola Dada brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During resumed proceedings yesterday, EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, informed the court that the prosecution was in court with two witnesses.

He however informed the court of the absence of the lead defence counsel.

“There is no representation for the defence and I tried reaching the junior counsel who said that the SAN ought to be here, but he is not,” he said.

On June 10, EFCC accused him of flouting the order of the court by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.

The social media celebrity was also absent in court on June 16.

The court had on June 22 revoked his bail and issued a bench warrant for Mompha’s arrest following his absence in court.

On September 21, the court ordered the commencement of trial of the defendant in absentia following his incessant absence from proceedings.

The charge against Mustapha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.

Others are 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.

THE NATION