The rescheduled trial of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, (alias Mompha), before a Lagos Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja was stalled again yesterday. The trial presided by Justice Mojisola Dada was stalled for the third time, after the social media celebrity did not attend the court. He was absent in court on June 16 and 22

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had charged Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on eight-count charge bordering on money laundering of the sum of N6 billion. The trial judge had on June 22 issued a bench warrant of arrest against Mompha following his absence in court. The judge also revoked his bail. During the proceeding of June 10, the anti-graft counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo had told the court that the defendant flouted the court order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport. When the case was called yesterday, EFCC counsel, Mr Samuel Daji, told the court that the Commission was still in the process of re-arresting the defendant. He urged the court to adjourn the case. The defence counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, also urged the court for an extension of time to bring the defendant back to court. He said they are working with the prosecution to ensure that the defendant is brought back to court. The judge subsequently adjourned the case to September 21 for further report.