By Desire Emmanuel
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, has dismissed the no-case submission filed by social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and another defendant in an alleged money laundering case, saying they have case to answer.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Mompha, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on January 12, 2022, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activities, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, failure to disclose assets and possession of documents containing false pretences, among others.
One of the counts reads:
“Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large), and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions to the tune of N6 billion with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities, to wit: obtaining by false pretence.”
Mompha pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, called five witnesses before closing its case. In response, the defence counsel, Kolawole Salami, filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish any evidence linking his client to the alleged offences.
However, in her ruling on Tuesday, November 4, Justice Dada held that a prima facie case had been established against the defendants.
She therefore dismissed the no-case submission and directed the defendants to open their defence.
The case was thereafter adjourned till January 27 and 28, 2026 for the commencement of defence.
