An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday issued a bench warrant against Instagram celebrity Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha charged with laundering N6 billion.
The court also revoked the bail granted him following his absence at the hearing.
Mompha has not been to court for hearing since June 16 when Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case due to his absence.
On June 10, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Mompha of flouting an order of the court by traveling to Dubai with a new international passport.
“The bail of the defendant is once again revoked and a bench warrant issued for his arrest against the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.
He adjourned the matter until June 30 for further proceedings.
Mompha’s counsel Gboyega Oyewole had pleaded with the court to stand down the matter. The case was stood down until noon but Mompha did not show up.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that he was shocked because Mompha had asked for a plea bargain.
The eight-count charge against Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, includes conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.
The other charges include retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from unlawful act, possession of document containing false pretences and failure to disclose assets.
