The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has admitted additional evidence against internet celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha.
Justice Mojisola Dada overruled the objections raised by the defendant’s counsel and allowed Mompha’s iPhone to be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial.
Mompha, along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, is facing an eight-count charge, including conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful means, retention of criminal proceeds, possession of false documents, and use of property derived from illegal activities.
At the hearing on December 3, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Suleiman Suleiman, continued the testimony of its witness, Detective Idi Musa. Musa presented the iPhone in court, claiming it was used in connection with fraudulent activities. The EFCC then sought to admit it as an exhibit.
Mompha’s counsel, Ademola Adefolaju, objected, arguing that no proper foundation had been laid for the iPhone’s admission. He requested that the court reject it as evidence.
In response, the prosecution countered, stating that the iPhone was recovered from the defendant during the investigation and subsequently sent to the FBI for forensic analysis, a fact confirmed by an FBI representative through witness PW3. Additionally, documents printed from the iPhone had already been submitted as evidence.
After considering the arguments, Justice Dada overruled the objection and admitted the iPhone as Exhibit P7.
The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
