Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has fixed October 15, 2026, for judgment in the alleged N6 billion money laundering case involving social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on January 12, 2022, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds allegedly obtained through unlawful activities, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, failure to disclose assets and possession of documents containing false pretences, among other offences.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by S. I. Suleiman called six witnesses and tendered several documentary exhibits before closing its case.
At the proceedings on June 30, 2026, defence counsel Kolawole Salami adopted the defendant’s final written address dated June 18, 2026, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Salami maintained that his client’s decision not to open a defence did not remove the prosecution’s legal duty to establish the charges. He argued that the offences contained in counts one to six, particularly the allegation of obtaining by false pretence, were not proved.
He also submitted that Exhibit P5, the extra-judicial statement relied upon by the prosecution, did not establish the offences charged and contended that none of the prosecution witnesses, especially EFCC investigating officer Idi Musa, presented direct or circumstantial evidence capable of sustaining the conspiracy charge. He urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant.
Read also:
- Mompha’s absence stalls trial for alleged money laundering
- Mompha for plea bargain with EFCC over alleged N6b fraud
- Money Laundering: Mompha’s trial recommences
In response, prosecuting counsel S. I. Suleiman adopted the prosecution’s final written address and asked the court to dismiss the defence’s arguments and convict the defendants.
He argued that the prosecution had called six witnesses and tendered sufficient documentary evidence to establish the offences, adding that the defendants used their bank accounts to launder funds allegedly derived from internet fraud.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Dada reserved judgment until October 15, 2026.
