Social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, on Monday challenged a ruling of the Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos State in his ongoing trial over alleged N6 billion money laundering charges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mompha is standing trial alongside his firm, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder illicit funds, retention of proceeds of crime, and failure to disclose assets. He was arraigned on January 12, 2022, and has been tried in absentia.
When the matter came up on Monday, counsel to the defendants, Kolawole Salami, informed the court that his clients had filed an application seeking leave to appeal the ruling delivered on November 4, 2025, which dismissed their no-case submission.
Salami told the court that the defendants were dissatisfied with the ruling, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case sufficient to warrant them opening a defence. He expressed confidence that the appellate court would uphold their position and overturn the lower court’s decision. He added that the defendants were committed to pursuing the appeal diligently and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Suleiman Suleiman, opposed the application, stating that the case was already slated for the defence to open its case. He said he was unaware of the application and argued that the matter had lingered since 2021, with adjournments since 2025 specifically for the defence to begin its case.
Responding, Salami maintained that the application had been filed and served on the prosecution since November 26, 2025.
Ruling, Mojisola Dada directed the defence to proceed with its case, noting that while appealing the ruling was the defendants’ constitutional right, the application could be taken after the day’s proceedings.
