The EFCC has re arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, alleged Internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, aka Mompha, over N32.9bn fraud.
Mompha was initially charged by the commission on 14 counts bordering on fraud, money laundering and running a foreign exchange business without the authorisation of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The Dubai based Instagram socialite had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N100m with one surety in like sum. Trial has since commenced in the suit, with the EFCC still leading witnesses in evidence.
When the case was called on Wednesday, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court of a second amended charge against the defendant and urged the court to allow a fresh plea by the defendant. The amended 22-count charge was read over to the defendant and he pleaded not guilty to all counts.
After his plea, defence counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), pleaded with the court to grant a short adjournment to enable him study the new charge. Following agreement with both parties, the court adjourned the case until March 18 for continuation of trial.
