EFCC re-arraigns Mompha for alleged N32.9bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has re-arraigned Ismaila Mustapha (aka Mompha) for an alleged N32.9 billion fraud.



Ismaila Mustapha was first arraigned by the EFCC last yearon a 14-count charge bordering on fraud, money laundering and running a foreign exchange business without the authorisation of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Today the agency has now re-arraigned him before Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged N32.9billion fraud.

At the resumed hearing of his case today, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court of a second amended charge against Mompha and urged the court to allow a fresh plea by the defendant. The amended 22 count charges was read over to the defendant and he pleaded not guilty.

After his plea, the defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole SAN, urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable him study the new charge.

He told the court that he had only seen the new charge few minutes ago before the court commenced sitting and consequently urged the court to allow him study same.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Liman, ordered that the defendant’s bail of N100 million to continue and then adjourned the case until March 18 for continuation of trial.