The absence of the defence counsel to Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), yesterday stalled his trial in the alleged N6 billion money laundering case against him.

Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court adjourned the case until December 16 for trial, following the absence of the defence counsel, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN).

Read Also; Mompha to be tried in absentia in N6bn fraud charge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, had earlier informed the court  that the prosecution was in court with two witnesses as the court had fixed the date for commencement of trial.

Mr Suleiman informed the court of the absence of the lead defence counsel.

“There is no representation for the defence and I tried reaching the junior counsel who said that the SAN ought to be here,” he said.