Court Admits Mompha’s iPhone as Evidence, Adjourns Till February 3, 2025
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has admitted additional evidence against internet celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, in his ongoing trial. Justice Mojisola Dada overruled objections from Mompha’s defense counsel and allowed the defendant’s iPhone to be admitted as evidence in the case.
Mompha, along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, is facing an eight-count charge that includes conspiracy to launder funds obtained through illegal activities, retention of proceeds from criminal conduct, money laundering, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretenses, and using property derived from unlawful acts.
At the hearing on December 3, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continued presenting its case through its witness, Detective Idi Musa, who introduced Mompha’s iPhone as evidence. Musa testified that the phone was used in fraudulent activities, prompting the EFCC to request it be accepted as an exhibit.
Mompha’s lawyer, Ademola Adefolaju, objected to the phone being admitted, arguing that no proper foundation had been laid for its introduction. He asked the court to exclude it from the evidence.
The prosecution countered, asserting that the iPhone had been recovered from the defendant and later analyzed by the FBI, which was confirmed by the FBI’s representative, who testified as PW3. They further argued that documents retrieved from the phone had already been submitted in court.
After considering both sides, Justice Dada overruled the defense’s objection and admitted the iPhone as Exhibit P7.
The case has been adjourned until February 3, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
