The trial of Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, continued on Wednesday.
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, is presiding over the case.
The prosecution and defence gave the court their reports on the plea bargain being worked on.
Mompha was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 12, 2022 on eight counts.
They include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity.
Others are failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretence and use of property derived from unlawful act.
Mompha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob Global are accused of conspiring, in 2016, to conduct transactions worth N5,998,884,653 “with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities to wit: Obtaining by false pretence.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
On March 28, the defence team led by Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) informed the court that his client was ready for a plea bargain.
Today, prosecuting counsel, S. I. Suleiman informed the judge that both parties were “in the process towards a plea bargain.
The lawyer prayed the court for some more time.
Kolawole Salami, who held the brief of Oyewole, confirmed the position of the prosecution.
“The defendant wants his peace of mind and still maintains his no-guilty plea,” he added.
The case was adjourned till Thursday, June 2, 2022.
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