EFCC v. Ismaila Mustapha (a.k.a. Mompha): Court Rules Prima Facie Case Established
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has held that a prima facie case has been established against Nigerian social media personality, Ismaila Mustapha (popularly known as Mompha), and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, in the ongoing fraud and money laundering trial.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the court dismissed the defendants’ no‑case submission, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring the defendants to enter their defence.
The matter was adjourned to 27 and 28 January 2026 for continuation of hearing.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mompha on an eight‑count charge involving alleged laundering of approximately ₦6 billion, as well as operating an unlicensed bureau de change.
Earlier, the EFCC had accused him of laundering about ₦32.9 billion, before amending the charge.
The offences include: Conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity; Retention of proceeds of crime; and Failure to disclose assets.
In January 2022, the court granted Mompha bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum.
His bail was revoked in June 2022 after he failed to appear in court, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant.
By August 2022, the EFCC declared him wanted, alleging retention of criminal proceeds and false asset declarations.
In May 2023, the EFCC announced his re‑arrest in collaboration with international partners over alleged laundering of ₦6 billion.
By July 2024, proceedings revealed that over ₦30 billion, suspected to be proceeds of crime, had reportedly passed through his accounts.
The court admitted into evidence a report from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which alleged that Mompha’s iPhone was used to transmit account details abroad and attempt fund transfers.
Mompha has consistently denied all allegations, accusing the EFCC of using his case for publicity.
He maintains his innocence and insists that the charges are unfounded.
