Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ruled that a prima facie case exists against social media influencer Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and another defendant in their ongoing fraud trial.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) via its official X account on Tuesday, the court rejected the defendants’ no-case submission, stating there is sufficient evidence to require them to enter a defence.

Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, are being prosecuted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering and operating an unlicensed bureau de change.

The court has adjourned the case to January 27 and 28, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.

Mompha’s legal troubles have spanned several years with multiple developments. Initially accused of laundering around ₦32.9 billion, the EFCC later filed an eight-count charge involving approximately ₦6 billion. The charges include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets.

In January 2022, Mompha was granted bail of ₦200 million with two sureties in like sum. However, his bail was revoked in June 2022 after he failed to appear in court, prompting a bench warrant for his arrest. The EFCC subsequently declared him wanted in August 2022, alleging retention of criminal proceeds and false asset declarations.

In May 2023, he was re-arrested with the assistance of international partners over alleged laundering of ₦6 billion. By July 2024, court proceedings indicated that over ₦30 billion, suspected to be proceeds of crime, had passed through his account.

Earlier hearings also saw the admission of a report from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which claimed Mompha’s iPhone was used to send account details abroad and attempt fund transfers.

Mompha has consistently denied all allegations, accusing the EFCC of using his case to generate publicity.