By Emmanuel Thomas I Tuesday, June 30, 2026
IKEJA, Nigeria – The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has reserved judgment in the alleged N6 billion money laundering trial of popular social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, widely known as Mompha, until October 15, 2026.
The presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada, fixed the date on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, after both the prosecution and defence counsel adopted their final written addresses.
Mompha, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 12, 2022, on an eight-count charge. The charges border 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.
One of the counts alleged that Mompha, alongside one Ahmadu Mohammed (who is currently at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, conspired in 2016 to conduct financial transactions worth N5,998,884,653.18 with the intent to promote unlawful activities, specifically obtaining money under false pretences.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel Kolawole Salami adopted the defendant’s final written address dated June 18, 2026. Salami argued that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt, noting that the defendant’s decision not to open a defence did not absolve the EFCC of its legal burden of proof.
Salami contended that the EFCC failed to prove counts one to six. He added that the extra-judicial statement (Exhibit P5) relied on by the commission did not establish the alleged offences. He further stated that none of the six prosecution witnesses, including the EFCC investigating officer, Idi Musa (PW6), provided direct or circumstantial evidence to sustain the conspiracy charge.
”We urge the court to discharge and acquit the defendant,” Salami prayed.
In a swift counter-submission, the prosecuting counsel, S. I. Suleiman, adopted the anti-graft agency’s final written address, urging the court to dismiss the defence’s arguments and convict the defendants as charged.
Suleiman maintained that the prosecution had presented sufficient oral and documentary evidence to secure a conviction.
“From the evidence before the court, it is our humble submission that the opportunity has once again presented itself for the invocation of the judicial powers of this court to send a clear signal and warning to persons engaging in nefarious activities that cast the image of the country in a bad light among the comity of nations,” Suleiman argued.
“The defendants availed their bank accounts to internet fraudsters to launder funds derived from fraudulent sources.”
After listening to both arguments, Justice Dada adjourned the matter till October 15, 2026, for judgment.
Who is Mompha? Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha) is a high-profile Nigerian social media influencer and businessman known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on Instagram, featuring luxury cars, private jets, and designer wear.
He frequently describes himself as a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator.
The EFCC Crackdown: Mompha’s legal battles with the EFCC began in October 2019 when he was first arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He faced a separate N32 billion money laundering charge alongside Ismalob Global Investment Ltd before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The Current Case: While out on bail for the first case, the EFCC filed this fresh 8-count N6 billion cyberfraud and money laundering charge against him in January 2022 at the Lagos State Special Offences Court.
Trial in Absentia: Following his arraignment in 2022, Mompha skipped bail, prompting Justice Dada to revoke his bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
The trial largely proceeded in his absence, with the EFCC declaring him a fugitive while trailing his whereabouts across international borders.
