Suspected internet social celebrity and alleged fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a. Mompha will be tried in absentia over alleged N6 billion fraud.

Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court who made the announcement, fixed further trial to November 16.

According to TheNation, Justice Dada said his trial will continue in absentia following failed efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to arrest him after jumping bail.

During proceedings, EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.O. Mohammed told the court that the commission had made frantic effort to arrest the defendant.

“We had also written letters to our counterpart abroad to secure the presence of the defendant and bring him before this Honourable court to no avail.”, he said.

Mohammed asked the court for another date to enable the prosecution commence the trial of the defendant in absential.

Defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, SAN, represented by Kolawale Salami and one Ademola aligned with the position of the commission and asked for adjournment.

Subsequently, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned trial till November 16, 2022 for continuation of trial.

The judge also ordered counsels to come to court with their witnesses.

In the course of trial, Justice Dada issued a bench warrant for the arrest of defendant for failing to appear in court for trial.

Ismaila Mustapha is facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N6billion.

He was arraigned alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.

Mompha was arrested on January 10, 2022 by EFCC, arraigned before the court and was granted bail

Since January 10, the defendant has failed to appear in court on two scheduled dates for his trial.