Court to deliver judgement in Mompha’s alleged N6bn money laundering trial

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has scheduled October 15 for the judgment in the N6 billion money laundering trial involving social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, widely known as Mompha. The trial judge, Mojisola Dada, set the date after reviewing the final written arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.

Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, were arraigned on January 12, 2022, facing eight charges. These include conspiracy to launder funds allegedly obtained through unlawful activities, retaining proceeds of criminal conduct, failing to disclose assets, and possessing documents containing false pretenses.

One of the core allegations is that Mompha, along with Ahmadu Mohammed (who is reportedly at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, conspired in 2016 to conduct financial transactions totaling approximately N5.99 billion. The prosecution contends these transactions were intended to promote unlawful activities, specifically obtaining money by false pretense.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by S. I. Suleiman, presented six witnesses and numerous documentary exhibits. The defense, represented by Kolawole Salami, argued that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Salami contended that the prosecution did not establish every element of the charges, particularly concerning the alleged obtaining by false pretense and the conspiracy charge, urging the court to discharge and acquit the defendants. The prosecution, however, urged the court to convict the defendants, citing sufficient evidence presented.

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From the evidence before the court, it is our humble submission that the opportunity has once again presented itself for the invocation of the judicial powers of this court to send a clear signal and warning to persons engaging in nefarious activities that cast the image of the country in a bad light among the comity of nations.