An Ikeja high court has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Mompha, compelling the socialite to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged money laundering.
Mojisola Dada, a judge of the Lagos state special offences court, ruled on Tuesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully established a prima facie case against Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited.
The case began in January 2022 when the EFCC arraigned the defendants on an eight-count charge.
The charges include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through illegal activity, and failure to disclose assets and property.
One of the specific counts alleges that in 2016, Mompha conspired with one Ahmadu Mohammed (who is still at large) and his company to conduct financial transactions totalling N5.99 billion.
The EFCC argued that the funds were intended to promote illegal activities, specifically obtaining money by false pretense.
Throughout the trial, Mompha pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, led by S.I. Suleiman, presented its case and called five witnesses before resting.
In response, Mompha’s defence counsel Kolawole Salami filed a no-case submission, arguing that the EFCC had failed to provide any credible evidence linking his client to the alleged offences.
However, Dada rejected the argument in her ruling. She held that the prosecution had met the threshold of presenting a case requiring the defendants to answer.
Consequently, she dismissed the no-case submission and ordered Mompha and his company to enter their defence.
The case has been adjourned to January 27 and 28, 2026, for the defence to begin its case.
Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle