A Federal High Court, Lagos, has fixed this week Friday, for the commencement of trial of an Internet Celebrity, Ismail Mustapha, popularly called Momphe, for alleged laundering of over eighteen billion naira
The court presided over by Justice Muhammed Liman, fixed the date after Momphe had pleaded not guilty of fourteen counts charge of money laundering, unauthorized BDC trading and failure to comply with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in carrying out financial transactions.
Arraigning the defendant, EFCC through its lawyers, Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that the defendant procured his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, to retained the aggregate said some between 2015 and 2019.
Following his plea of not guilty, the prosecutors, urged the court to remanded the defendant in prison custody while also asked the court for a trial date.
In a swift reply, the defendant lawyers, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), told the court that they did not opposed the prosecution’s request for trial date, but said the defendant’s bail application has been filed and same has been served on the prosecution.
The prosecutors admitted been served with the application but asked the court for a short date to respond.
Following the submissions of the parties, Justice Liman adjourned for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.
