Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ordered social media celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, to enter his defence in the ongoing money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The judge ruled that the prosecution had presented enough evidence linking Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, to the alleged crimes. The court therefore dismissed their no-case submission.
According to a statement shared on the EFCC’s official X handle on Tuesday, Justice Dada said, “The court finds that a prima facie case has been made against the defendants. They are hereby ordered to open their defence.”
The EFCC is accusing Mompha and his firm of laundering funds obtained through illegal activities and running an unlicensed bureau de change.
The case has been adjourned to January 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The anti-graft agency had earlier filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, alleging that Mompha laundered about ₦6 billion. The charges include conspiracy to launder money, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets.
Mompha was first granted bail in January 2022 in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties. However, the court later revoked the bail in June 2022 after he failed to appear for trial, leading to a bench warrant for his arrest.
In August 2022, the EFCC declared him wanted, claiming he retained proceeds of criminal activities and made false asset declarations. He was later re-arrested in May 2023 with the help of international partners.
During previous proceedings, the court admitted an FBI report alleging that Mompha’s iPhone was used to send banking details overseas and attempt fund transfers. The EFCC also told the court that over ₦30 billion suspected to be criminal proceeds passed through his account.
Mompha, however, has denied all accusations. He insists that the EFCC is only using his case to gain public attention. “I am innocent of all the charges against me,” he had previously said, maintaining that his business dealings are legitimate.
The case remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about financial crime trials, largely due to Mompha’s reputation for showcasing luxury cars, designer fashion, and wealth on social media.
