By Akinwale Kasali
Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, a Social Media sensation, has again been indicted and named as a defendant in the amended N157.1million fraud charge filed against an auto dealer, Sarumi Babafemi, alias 606.
Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Ventures is currently standing trial over an alleged N32.9 billion internet fraud for close to two years now, was named in the amended nine-count charge of January 22, 2021 brought against Babafemi and Mompha before Justice Chukwujeku Aneke on Monday February 1, 2021.
The two suspects identified as Ridwan Momodu Allison, a.k.a. Osama (said to be at large) and Richard Ogbah were also listed as defendants.
Babafemi, Mompha, Ridwan and Richard were accused of laundering N157.1 million for Omojadesola Shittu Allison; Olandewaju Oriyomi; Abiola Kayode Ayorinde; Bartholomew Oluchukwu Ezeudoka and Amobi Uchenna E. who reportedly received the sums of N37.6 million; N93 million; N1.5 million and N25 million respectively.
Babafemi and his firms; 606 Autos Ltd, 606 Music Ltd and Splash Off Entertainment Ltd were also accused of concealing and disguising the origins of the funds he allegedly laundered for Mompha and others, an offence which contravened sections 15(2)(b) and 15(3)(a) and were punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
The scheduled re-arraignment and trial of Babafemi and his firms on the fresh charge could, however, not go on after EFCC’s counsel, Ayanfe Ogunshina prayed the court to allow the charge to be read to the defendants so they could take their plea. He also disclosed that one of the witnesses was in court.
The defence counsel, Muiz Banire (SAN) however opposed this on grounds of being served the amended charge in court. He pleaded for time to study the new charges.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke who presided over the case, thereafter adjourned it till April 21, 22 and 23 2021.
