The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned internet celebrity, Ismailia Mustapha, also known as Mompha and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited over alleged money laundering to the tune of over N6 billion.
Mompha and his firm were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court on eight count-charge bordering on the offences.
They were accused of conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of such funds, transfer of funds for a suspect Olayinka Jimoh a.k.a NappyBoy, and unlawful transfer of funds for a record label, among others.
The sums named in the charge were N5, 998,884,653.18, N32 million, N120 million and N15.960 million, totalling over N6 billion.
The anti- graft agency also alleged that Mompha concealed his interest in expensive wristwatches and other movable assets valued N70 million.
When the charge was read to him, Mompha pleaded “Not guilty,” to each of the counts.
Following his plea of not guilty, his lawyer, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, informed the court of his client’s bail application, which he said had been served on the prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Justice Dada ordered Mompha to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody, and adjourned the hearing of his bail application till January 18.
Mompha is also standing trial before a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos alongside Ismalob Global Investment Limited on an amended 22-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9 billion brought against him by the EFCC.
