In the ongoing trial of Ismaila Mustapha, known as Mompha, the sixth prosecution witness, Idi Musa, detailed to Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, how significant sums totaling N35 billion were traced to bank accounts linked to the defendant.
Mompha and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, were arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 12, 2022. The charges include conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activities, retention of proceeds from criminal conduct, and possession of documents with false pretenses, among others. Despite pleading not guilty, Mompha’s trial proceeded in absentia since September 22, 2022, after he absconded while on bail.
During Monday’s proceedings, Idi Musa, an EFCC investigator, testified how intelligence received from the FBI implicated Mompha and a co-defendant in cybercrime activities. The investigation revealed massive financial transactions through Mompha’s accounts, totaling N30 billion in one bank and N5 billion in another. Despite Mompha claiming to be in the Bureau De Change business, investigations found otherwise, leading to charges of money laundering and operating without a license.
Efforts to apprehend Mompha in Nigeria were detailed, including an incident where he attempted to flee the country upon learning of the EFCC’s search for him. He was intercepted at the airport by immigration officials and subsequently handed over to the EFCC.
The witness further testified that Mompha’s iPhone, seized during his arrest, was instrumental in revealing communication related to financial transactions. Properties seized from Mompha, identified as proceeds of crime, were registered with the EFCC, with most returned to him except for the iPhone 8, which remains in their custody due to non-disclosure on his asset declaration form.
Documents including Mompha’s statement and asset declaration form were admitted as exhibits during the trial. Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case to October 8, 2024, for the continuation of proceedings.
