Mompha: Judge Slams ‘Delay Tactics’ in N6bn Laundering Case

​The ongoing trial of flamboyant social media figure Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, hit another snag on Monday as a Lagos Special Offences Court expressed blatant dissatisfaction with what it termed “delay tactics” by the defense team.

​Presiding Judge Justice Mojisola Dada warned that the court would no longer tolerate excuses after Mompha’s counsel, Kolawole Salami, failed to produce a witness for the scheduled opening of their defense.

​A Long Road to Justice

​Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, were first arraigned by the EFCC in January 2022. The eight-count charge involves alleged conspiracy to launder N6 billion, alongside charges of retaining proceeds of criminal conduct and possessing documents containing false pretenses.

​While Mompha has maintained a “not guilty” plea, the prosecution closed its case after calling five witnesses and tendering a mountain of documentary evidence.

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​The Push for Appeal

​The defense had previously filed a “no-case submission,” arguing that the EFCC failed to link Mompha to the crimes. However, in November 2025, Justice Dada dismissed this, ruling that a prima facie case had indeed been established and ordering the defendants to open their defense.

​At Monday’s resumed hearing, the atmosphere grew tense when Salami informed the court of a fresh application seeking leave to appeal that November ruling. He argued that the defense remains confident the appellate court will overturn the lower court’s decision.

​”Last Indulgence”

​The prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, fired back, noting the case has dragged on since 2021. He urged the court to ignore the “improper” application and proceed with the trial.

​Though Justice Dada acknowledged that appealing is a constitutional right, she grew firm when the defense claimed their witness was “outside the jurisdiction” and unaware of the hearing date.

​”You are aware of today’s proceedings,” the Judge noted, describing the subsequent adjournment as the “last indulgence” the court would grant the defense.

​The trial has been adjourned to April 28, 2026, for the continuation of the defense.