The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought more evidence against socialite Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha. The case was heard at the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday, February 3.

Mompha, who is currently missing, is facing trial along with his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd. The EFCC has charged them with eight counts of money laundering.

During the hearing, EFCC’s witness, Musa Idi, presented documents allegedly received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The EFCC believes these documents are key to proving Mompha’s involvement in financial crimes.

Mompha’s defense lawyer, Kolawole Salami, objected to the use of the documents in court. He argued that since they came from the US Department of Justice through the US Consulate, they were public documents and had not been properly certified.

He also pointed out that the EFCC was not the original source of the documents and, therefore, could not certify them. However, Justice Mojisola Dada rejected this argument and accepted the documents as evidence, labeling them as exhibits P8, P9, and P10.

The EFCC’s witness also confirmed that Mompha admitted during questioning that the expensive wristwatches seized from him belonged to him.

During cross-examination, the witness revealed that Mompha had been arrested in 2019 and was previously charged at the Federal High Court in Lagos for similar money laundering offences.

Interestingly, the court had twice ordered the EFCC to return the wristwatches to Mompha, but the agency has not followed these orders.

Another key point discussed in court was a document mentioned in count seven of the charges. The witness admitted that this document was obtained without Mompha being present. When the EFCC later showed it to him, he denied having any knowledge of it.

The witness also stated that no official complaint was made against Mompha by Continental Diary Facility Southwest LLC. Instead, the EFCC had contacted the company to investigate the case, which led to a statement being made.

The court has postponed the case until March 13, when the trial will continue. The EFCC will likely present more evidence, while the defense will continue to challenge the allegations.

This case remains one of the high-profile financial crime trials in Nigeria, with many people closely watching to see how it unfolds.