An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday formally closed the defence case of social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, in his ongoing alleged ₦6 billion money laundering trial.
Mompha is being prosecuted alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder unlawfully obtained funds, retention of proceeds of crime, and failure to disclose assets. He was arraigned on January 12, 2022, and is currently being tried in absentia.
Presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada, took the decision after the defence failed to produce any witnesses despite repeated opportunities granted by the court. The court also set aside a witness summons earlier filed by Mompha’s lead counsel, Mr Kolawole Salami, describing it as improperly obtained and an attempt to delay proceedings.
Justice Dada faulted the defence for attempting to recall a prosecution witness as part of its defence strategy, insisting that the witness had already been thoroughly examined during cross-examination. According to her, no new evidence was required.
“A witness testified for the prosecution, and you want to bring him as your defence witness. Do not bring confusion here,” she said. “If you do not have a witness to call, close your defence. This is a tactic to waste the time of the court.”
She further noted that the defence had been given ample time to present its case but failed to do so. The judge therefore ordered the defence to file its final written address ahead of judgment.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Suleiman Suleiman, opposed the defence’s request for further adjournment, arguing that the application was merely a delay tactic aimed at stalling proceedings. He urged the court to proceed with closure of the defence case.
The court also acknowledged an application by the defence seeking leave to appeal an earlier ruling delivered on November 4, 2025, which dismissed their no-case submission. However, Justice Dada maintained that the trial had reached its natural conclusion at the defence stage.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 30 for adoption of final written addresses, with the court warning against further attempts to delay proceedings.
