The Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed a no-case submission filed by internet celebrity Mr. Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, in his ongoing ₦6 billion money laundering trial.

Justice Mojisola Dada ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima facie case against Mr. Mustapha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., and therefore ordered the defendants to open their defence.

Mr. Mustapha, who is being tried in absentia, was first arraigned on 12 January 2022 on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained unlawfully, retention of proceeds of crime, non-disclosure of assets, and possession of documents containing false pretences.

In her ruling, Justice Dada held that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring explanation from the defendants. “The court is satisfied that the defendants have a case to answer,” she said.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired to conduct financial transactions amounting to ₦5.9 billion in Lagos sometime in 2016, with intent to promote unlawful activities, specifically obtaining money by false pretence.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mr. Sulaiman Suleiman, called five witnesses before closing its case.

Mr. Mustapha, through his counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, had argued in his no-case submission that the EFCC failed to establish any link between him and the alleged offences.

The case has been adjourned until 27 January 2026 for the defendants to begin their defence.