A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by social media celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, in their ongoing money laundering case.

Justice Mojisola Dada, in her ruling, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully established a prima facie case against the defendants, thereby requiring them to open their defence.

According to a statement released on the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the judge ruled that there is sufficient evidence linking the defendants to the alleged offences.

“The defendants have a case to answer,” the court declared, before adjourning proceedings to January 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mompha and his company for allegedly laundering about ₦6 billion and operating an unlicensed bureau de change.

The case, which has been ongoing for several years, initially involved allegations of ₦32.9 billion in illicit financial transactions. The charges include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets.

In January 2022, the court granted Mompha bail for ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. However, the bail was revoked in June 2022 after he failed to appear in court, leading to a bench warrant for his arrest.

The EFCC later declared him wanted in August 2022, accusing him of evading trial and retaining proceeds of criminal conduct. In May 2023, the anti-graft agency confirmed his re-arrest, reportedly achieved through collaboration with international partners.

During previous hearings, the court admitted into evidence a report from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alleging that Mompha’s iPhone was used to send sensitive account details abroad and attempt fund transfers.

EFCC investigators also testified that over ₦30 billion, suspected to be proceeds of crime, passed through accounts linked to Mompha.

Despite these allegations, Mompha has consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that he is being unfairly targeted for publicity by the EFCC.