The trial of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), at an Ikeja Special Offences Court was again stalled yesterday due to the absence of prosecution witness.
Mompha, who is being tried in absentia, is facing a N6 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Mojisola Dada.
When the case was called, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the prosecution’s next witness was not in the country.
Mrs. Buhari urged the court to allow the witness give his evidence via virtual hearing.
“My lord, we are sorry our witness cannot make it to court today because he is out of the country for a training.
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“We, however, apply that the witness’ evidence be taken virtually,” she said.
Defence counsel Kolawole Salami, however, objected to the request of the prosecution.
He argued that the prosecution had ample time to prepare and bring their witnesses.
“My lord, the prosecution had enough time to prepare and bring their witnesses, only to make application for virtual hearing this morning without any notification.
“We ask that their oral application be dismissed,” Salami said.
Justice Dada overruled the request of the prosecution and adjourned the case till December 19 for continuation of trial.