Social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha) and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, have approached the Court of Appeal to challenge a ruling compelling them to open their defence in an ongoing money-laundering case.
The application contests the November 4, 2025 decision of Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission.
Defence counsel Kolawole Salami told the court the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case linking his clients to the alleged offences and expressed confidence the appellate court would overturn the ruling.
However, prosecuting counsel S. I. Suleiman opposed the move, arguing the matter had been adjourned since 2025 for the defence to present its case and urged the court to proceed with trial.
Justice Dada ruled that proceedings should continue, noting the defendants’ constitutional right to appeal could be exercised after the day’s sitting.
The court granted a final adjournment after the defence said its witness was outside jurisdiction and unaware of the hearing date.
The defendants were arraigned on January 12, 2022 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on eight counts including conspiracy to launder funds, retention of criminal proceeds and possession of documents containing false pretences.
One count alleges financial transactions worth ₦5.9 billion in 2016 intended to promote unlawful activities.
The prosecution has called five witnesses and closed its case, after which the no-case submission was dismissed for establishing a prima facie case.
Trial continues April 28, 2026.
Written by Wahab Akinlade