Mompha Appeals Ruling On N6bn Money Laundering Case

Social media celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, who is on trial for an alleged N6 billion money laundering case, has filed a notice of appeal against the ruling by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, which dismissed his no-case submission.

Mompha’s lawyer, Kolawole Salami, yesterday told the judge that they had filed an appeal to challenge the court’s November 4, 2025, ruling, which dismissed their no-case submission.

The defendant, who is being tried in absentia after jumping bail, is alleged to have retained and unlawfully transferred funds to a suspect named Olayinka Jimoh, also known as Nappy Boy, as well as to a record label, among other charges.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has identified several sums totalling over N6.5 billion that were allegedly laundered by the defendant. These amounts include N5,998,884,653.18, N32 million, N120 million, and N15,960,000.

Additionally, the commission alleges that Mompha concealed his interest in expensive wristwatches and other movable assets valued at over N70 million.

He has, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Dada had, on November 4, 2025, dismissed Mompha’s application on the ground that the EFCC had established a prima facie case against him.

However, at the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday, instead of opening his defence, Mompha’s lawyer, Salami, informed Justice Dada that his client is unhappy with her decision and he is requesting leave to appeal.

He further stated that the defendant is dedicated to pursuing the appeal diligently and urged the court to grant their requests in the interest of justice.

However, the EFCC counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, stated that he was unaware of the appeal; he therefore urged the court to instruct the defence to call their witness.

He said, “This case has been ongoing since 2021, and since 2025, it has been adjourned for the defence to open. They had plenty of time to prepare, so bringing such an application now is inappropriate.”

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Dada directed the defence to proceed, noting that filing an appeal is their legal right and that the matter could be addressed later.

“You are aware of today’s proceedings. You have the right to appeal; it is your constitutional right,” the judge stated.

Salami then informed the court that they could not present their witness because he was unaware of the hearing date and was currently outside the court’s jurisdiction.

He urged the court for an adjournment, vowing the witness would be present at the next hearing.

The court then warned the defence against delay tactics before adjourning the case to 28 April 2026.