The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday in Lagos, urged Justice Mohammed Liman of the Lagos Federal High Court to ignore the “no case submission” filed by alleged internet fraudster, Ismail Mustapha alias Mompha.
EFCC’s Counsel, S. I. Sulaiman, stated this in a counter to Mompha’s “no case submission” application which was adopted by the court.
Mompha is standing before the court alongside Ismalob Global Investment Limited over an alleged N32.9bn fraud.
The EFCC alleged that not being an authorised buyer of foreign currency appointed by the CBN, Mompha negotiated several foreign exchange (forex) transactions with different individuals in the sums of N20m, N22.3m, N30m, N100m and N40.7m.
Mompha was also accused of making cash payments of €299,000, €213,675, €273,000 to one Ahmed Sarki, said to be deceased.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, are in breach of Sections 18(c), 15(2) (d), 15(3) and 10 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sulaiman, said based on the evidence adduced and exhibits tendered, the prosecution has been able to link the defendants with the alleged offences, which he explained would warrant the court to direct the accused to give explanation.
Sulaiman consequently urged the court to dismiss the “no case” application and order him to open his defence.
Mompha, through his lawyer, Gbenga Oyewole (SAN), earlier opted to file a no case submission after the EFCC had called 10 witnesses who testified in a 22 count-charge against him and his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on the alleged fraud.
Oyewole, in urging the court to uphold his client’s no case submission, said the prosecution failed to link his client, Mompha, to any count of the alleged offences.
After hearing both parties, Justice Liman adjourned the case to November 15, 2020, for ruling.
