The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has fixed 15 October for judgment in the N6 billion money laundering trial of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha. Justice Mojisola Dada set the date after hearing final written addresses from both the prosecution and the defence, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Charges and Allegations
The EFCC arraigned Mr Mustapha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on 12 January 2022 on eight counts. These include 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. One charge alleges that Mr Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (said to be at large), and Ismalob Global Investment Limited conspired in 2016 to conduct financial transactions totalling N5,998,884,653.18 to promote unlawful activities, namely obtaining money by false pretence.
Prosecution Seeks Conviction
During the trial, the prosecution, led by S. I. Suleiman, called six witnesses and submitted several documentary exhibits before closing its case. At Tuesday's hearing, defence lawyer Kolawole Salami adopted the defendants’ final written address dated 18 June, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Salami contended that his clients' decision not to open a defence did not relieve the prosecution of its legal duty to prove every element of the charges. He maintained that the prosecution failed to substantiate the offences in Counts One to Six, particularly obtaining by false pretence. He also argued that Exhibit P5, an extra-judicial statement, did not establish the offences and that none of the prosecution witnesses, especially the sixth witness and EFCC investigating officer Idi Musa, provided direct or circumstantial evidence to support the conspiracy charge. Mr Salami urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants.
Prosecution's Response
In response, Mr Suleiman adopted the prosecution’s final written address and urged the court to dismiss the defence's arguments and convict the defendants. He argued that the prosecution had called six witnesses and provided sufficient documentary evidence to prove the offences. According to Mr Suleiman, “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. The defendants availed their bank accounts to internet fraudsters to launder funds derived from fraudulent sources.” He added that a conviction would serve as a deterrent to the defendants and others contemplating similar offences that tarnish Nigeria’s image.
Judgment Reserved
After hearing submissions, Justice Dada reserved judgment until 15 October. Tuesday's proceedings marked the latest stage in a trial spanning over four years. Mr Mustapha and his company pleaded not guilty upon arraignment on 12 January 2022. In November 2025, Justice Dada dismissed a no-case submission by the defendants, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring them to enter a defence. The judge held that the evidence disclosed sufficient grounds for the defendants to respond. The defence indicated its intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that the prosecution had failed to link Mr Mustapha to the alleged offences. The court granted leave to appeal while allowing the trial to continue.
Defence Opts Not to Present Witnesses
When the matter reached the defence stage, Mr Mustapha's lawyer chose not to call any witnesses on 28 April. Justice Dada then closed the defence case and set aside a witness summons filed by the defence, ruling that it was issued in error and constituted an attempt to delay proceedings. The judge noted that the witness the defence sought to call had already testified for the prosecution and been extensively cross-examined, leaving no new evidence to elicit. She directed both parties to file their final written addresses, leading to their adoption. Throughout the trial, Mr Mustapha has maintained his innocence.
