Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ruled that a prima facie case has been established against Nigerian social media influencer Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and another defendant in his ongoing fraud trial.
According to a post shared on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) official X handle on Tuesday, the court dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission, affirming that there is sufficient evidence to require them to open their defence.
The EFCC is prosecuting Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on allegations of money laundering and operating an unlicensed bureau de change.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the case to January 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
Mompha’s legal battle has spanned several years, marked by multiple developments. Initially accused of laundering about ₦32.9 billion, the EFCC later filed an eight-count charge involving approximately ₦6 billion.
The charges include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets.
In January 2022, Mompha was granted ₦200 million bail with two sureties in like sum. However, his bail was revoked in June 2022 after he failed to appear in court, prompting a bench warrant for his arrest.
He was declared wanted by the EFCC in August 2022 and was later re-arrested in May 2023 with the assistance of international partners over alleged ₦6 billion laundering.
By July 2024, court proceedings revealed that over ₦30 billion, suspected to be criminal proceeds, had reportedly passed through his accounts.
During earlier sessions, the court admitted into evidence a U.S. FBI report alleging that Mompha’s iPhone was used to send account details abroad and attempt fund transfers.
Mompha has repeatedly denied all charges, accusing the EFCC of using his case for publicity and maintaining his innocence.
The case remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent financial crime trials, drawing widespread public interest due to Mompha’s fame and lavish lifestyle on social media.