General
Court Orders Arrest of Mompha After Bail Revocation
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A bench warrant for the arrest of an Instagram celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, has been issued by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
This was after the judge on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, revoked the N200 million bail earlier granted to the suspect, who is standing trial in a case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency dragged Mompha before the court alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretence and use of property derived from an unlawful act.
On June 10, 2022, Justice Dada had ordered the temporary revocation of the defendant’s bail but released him to his counsel, Mr Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), who pleaded for one week to investigate the allegation by the prosecution that the defendant procured another passport different from the one submitted to the court, as part of conditions for his bail.
The prosecution had told the court that the defendant used a new passport to travel from Ghana to Dubai, thereby violating his bail terms.
Last Thursday, the trial of Mompha was stalled due to his absence in court and his lawyer pleaded for a stand down, assuring the court that his client would attend the proceedings.
However, the defendant still failed to show up in court, despite the stand down.
At today’s proceedings, the matter was again stood down to 12.00 pm at the instance of the prosecution and when the case was eventually called, the defendant was again absent in court, prompting Justice Dada to ask: “So, where is the defendant?”
In his response, Mr Oyewole, who also expressed surprise at the development, told the court that he was given the assurance that the defendant would be in court.
“I had his assurance until yesterday night that he will be in court, and that was why I was waiting downstairs for him,” he said, informing the court that following the absence of the defendant at the last sitting, he made efforts to ensure that the defendant was in court for the continuation of the trial.
Reacting to the development, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said: “If I say that this development is not shocking, it will be an understatement.
“As at yesterday, the learned Senior Advocate discussed with me and assured [me] that we should continue today with these proceedings.”
He then informed the court that, “we’ve been able to file a plea bargain that he signed,” but noted that the defence counsel seemed to have taken some steps, adding that “it appears it is not yielding any results.
“I urge your lordship to issue a warrant for his arrest and for the production of the defendant before your lordship.”
Consequently, Justice Dada ruled that, “The bail of the defendant is once again revoked and a bench warrant issued for his arrest against the next adjourned date of Thursday, June 30, 2022.”
Business Post reports that one of the charges against Mompha is that he and others, including one at large, “sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions to the tune of N5,998,884,653.18 with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities to wit: obtaining by false pretence.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, prompting the commencement of his trial.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has promised to enhance transparency and ensure that the NUPRC’s internal communications are fully digital.
Mrs Eyesan said this when the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr Musa Adar, visited the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
“We have set for ourselves a 60-day programme to digitise our interactions and communications within the commission. I can assure you that once we get to day 60, there will be no paper trail within the Commission. All our transmissions will be electronic, which also means speed is assured. It means we will be able to trace where we have hiccups,” Mr Eyesan said.
The NUPRC boss said digitising processes often leads to better results, like the enforcement of payments of royalties.
“I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that for royalty payments, the default rate was enormous prior to 2025 when the Commission went live on the system. Now, compliance has improved,” Mrs Eyesan said.
The NUPRC boss sought a deepened relationship with NEITI, which will foster transparency, especially amid the 2025 Licensing Round.
In his remarks, the NEITI’s scribe said there was a need for the NUPRC to carry the agency along in its operations as this would not only enhance transparency but also deepen investor confidence.
Mr Adar also urged the commission to be firm on oil companies that run afoul of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Speaking on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Mr Adar asked that the NUPRC actively participate in the 2026 EITI flagship conference, which will provide the Commission with better insights into the standards that guide EITI implementation.
The NEITI boss also sought support from the Commission in the area of data sharing, which will enhance the operations of the agency.
“We are here to seek understanding, and we must collaborate,” Mr Adar said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, has been charged to do everything within his powers to restore peace and strengthen security across the nation.
This task was given to the new police chief by President Bola Tinubu after being decorated at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Disu was chosen to succeed Mr Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday. His appointment is expected to be approved by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the Senate next week.
President Tinubu described Mr Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.
“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President said.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” he added.
Mr Tinubu urged him to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence in the Acting IGP’s discipline, operational experience and leadership capacity.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said, reaffirming his belief that Nigeria would prevail under a committed leadership.
The President also paid tribute to Mr Egbetokun, who was present with his spouse, saying, “We are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order.”
He urged Egbetokun to be ready to offer useful advice to his successor and wished him and his family peace, good health and success in future endeavours, noting,
“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”
Mr Tinubu urged all security stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has lamented how “people now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate.”
He raised this concern when he received the executives of the Association of Real Estate and Property Managers (AREAPM) in Edo State on Wednesday.
The EFCC chief, represented by the acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the Commission, Mr Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, warned real estate managers against money laundering.
“We have noted with grave concern that fraudsters are laundering money and hiding proceeds of crime through real estate and property. People now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate,” he stated.
He noted that the agency would continue to discharge its statutory mandate of bringing those who seek to circumvent the system to book.
“As a commission, we recognise the role of Real Estate and Property Managers. Property Managers are designated non-financial businesses and professions.
“So, we expect them to be professionals and uphold the relevant rules and regulations in the discharge of their duties,” he stated, adding that, “The commission will apply the laws when there is a breach of relevant rules and regulations.”
He assured the AREAPM executives of the organisation’s willingness to collaborate with them in dealing with fraud and criminality in the sector.
“We have a unit, the Land and Property Fraud Section, which attends to issues in that regard. So, when you have challenges, you can report to us,” he stated.
In his remarks, the chairman of AREAPM in Edo State, Mr Akpesiri Michael Egbonoje, stated that the essence of the visit was to seek areas of collaboration with the commission and work out ways of combating real estate financial crimes and fraud in the state.
“Part of our strategy is to familiarise ourselves with law enforcement agencies in the state and seek for collaborative relationships. As a body, we cannot do it alone; we need help in the areas of financial crimes.
“We have tried to sanitise the space, but we realised that your agency is at the apex when it comes to dealing with financial crimes.
“We believe that structured collaboration between AREARM and the EFCC will promote financial transparency, investor confidence, and accountability within the real estate sector.”
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