Bank staff testifies against Mompha in alleged N6bn money laundering case

Fidelity Bank compliance officer, Ezekoli Ozoemenam, on Monday, May 20, testified against social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha AKA Mompha, who is on trial for money laundering charges involving the sum of N6 billion. 

Ozoemenam, the fourth prosecution witness, was led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, counsel, Mr Suleiman Suleiman. 

The witness testified about an account of the bank allegedly linked to Mompha.

The prosecution, thereafter, tendered the document and prayed the court to admit it in evidence. 

Defence counsel, Mr Kolawole Salami, told the court that he reserved his objection to the tendering of the document in evidence. 

Counsel to EFCC, thereafter, appealed to the court for a witness summons to compel the appearance of EFCC’s next witness. 

The counsel said that he needed the summons because the witness complained of feeling unsafe and receiving threats to his life. 

Justice Mojisola Dada, however, said that it was the duty of the prosecution to ensure the appearance of its witnesses in court. 

Mompha was absent from the court. 

Recall that his trial in absentia started on June 3, 2023, when a compliance officer with Access Bank testified against him. 

The court, on Sept. 21 2022, ordered the commencement of Mompha’s trial in absentia after he failed to appear before it on several occasions. 

Also, EFCC had, on Jan. 22, 2022, arraigned Mustapha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on eight counts bordering on N6 billion laundering. 

The charges against Mompha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities and laundering money obtained through unlawful activities. 

The 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 judge adjourned the case until July 1 for continuation of trial.