Alleged N6bn money laundering: Mompha’s trial stalled – Newstrends
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Alleged N6bn money laundering: Mompha’s trial stalled

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Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha

The absence of the defence counsel to Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), on Wednesday, stalled his trial in the alleged six billion Naira money laundering.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court adjourned the case until Dec. 16 for trial, following the absence of the defence counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole (SAN).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Suleiman Suleiman had earlier informed the court that the prosecution was in court with two witnesses as the court had fixed the date for the commencement of the trial.

Suleiman, 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,” he said.

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The court had on Sept. 21 ordered the beginning of the trial of the defendant in absentia after he failed to appear before the court.

The EFCC had on Jan. 22 arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on eight counts of six billion Naira laundering.

The court had on June 22 issued a bench warrant for Mustapha’s arrest following his absence in court.

Dada also revoked the bail she granted the defendant.

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

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

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

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BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke

BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke

A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, has been acquitted of money laundering charges by an Abuja Federal High Court.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, upheld Adoke’s “no case” submission against the money laundering charges.

In 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Adoke and Abubakar Aliyu, a property developer, with laundering about N300 million.

While the EFCC acknowledged before Ekwo that it was a mortgage taken by Adoke from Unity Bank, it alleged before Justice Kutigi that the money constituted a bribe from the sale of an oil block by Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in 2011.

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On March 28, 2024, Kutigi dismissed the charges against Adoke and others, citing contradictions and criticizing the EFCC for a four-year trial.

Justice Ekwo, on Friday, ruled that the EFCC failed to provide evidence to prove the essential elements of the offence against Adoke, acquitting him of the charges.

However, Ekwo mandated Aliyu, the second defendant, to open his defence, stating that he has a case to answer.

BREAKING: Court acquits Ex-AGF Adoke

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Army releases Delta traditional ruler detained over slain 17 soldiers

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Army releases Delta traditional ruler detained over slain 17 soldiers 

 

The Nigerian Army has released a Delta State traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo, arrested over the murder of 17 soldiers in Okuama community.

He was released on Friday during a briefing by the Director of the Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu.

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BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat

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BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat

Anti-riot Police forces have assumed control of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Secretariat led by Comrade Austin Agade in Makurdi, the capital of Benue state.

This marks the second instance within a month. It’s noteworthy that Makurdi hosts two separate APC secretariats, with Agada heading one and Benjamin Omakolo overseeing the other.

The Agada-led APC State Working Committee (SWC) had scheduled the inauguration of members of the zoning committee for the upcoming council elections at their Secretariat on Friday the 19th.

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In a pre-emptive move, anti-riot police trucks arrived as early as 6 a.m., barricading all routes leading to the Secretariat.

At present, the situation is chaotic, with motorcycle riders, suspected to be aligned with the Benjamin Omakolo-led APC State Working Committee, occupying the area. Chief Of Staff Paul Biam has characterized this faction as the authentic APC.

Governor Hyacient Alia previously issued a ban on all political activities and public gatherings in Benue State, and it appears this directive remains in force.

BREAKING: Tension in Benue as riot police take over APC secretariat

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