The Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday dismissed a no-case submission filed by internet celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, in his ongoing ₦6 billion money laundering trial.

Justice Mojisola Dada ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established a prima facie case against Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, and ordered the defendants to open their defence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mompha and his firm are facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful means, retention of proceeds of crime, failure to disclose assets, and possession of documents containing false pretences.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Dada held that the evidence presented by the prosecution required an explanation from the defendants, noting that the court was satisfied that they had a case to answer.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to conduct financial transactions amounting to ₦5.9 billion in Lagos sometime in 2016, with the intent to promote unlawful activities, including obtaining money by false pretence.

During the trial, EFCC counsel Mr. Sulaiman Suleiman called five witnesses before closing the prosecution’s case.

Mompha, who earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges, had through his counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish any link between him and the alleged offences.

The court, however, disagreed and ordered the defendants to begin their defence.

Justice Dada subsequently adjourned the case until January 27, 2026, for the defence to open its case.