FBI Presents Evidence Of N6b Transfer Via iPhone In Mompha Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos State on Monday submitted two pieces of evidence for the ongoing N6 billion money laundering case against Ismaila Mustapha, a social media celebrity popularly known as Mompha.

The evidence was presented through Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Ayotunde Solademi at the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The items of evidence are an FBI report and a forensic analysis of Mompha’s iPhone, alleged to have been used for illegal transactions.

The prosecution was led by Suleiman Suleiman, EFCC counsel.

However, the defence, led by Kolawole Salami, argued against the admittance of the two pieces of evidence, claiming they are public documents that need to be certified by the US Consulate.

He raised doubts about their authenticity. However, Justice Mojisola Dada dismissed these objections, maintaining that the FBI documents are original and do not require certification.

Solademi, an FBI agent stationed at the Legal Attaché Office in Nigeria, informed the court that Mompha’s iPhone, secured in a Faraday bag, had been retrieved.

The phone, according to FBI forensic analysis, was used to send account details to a UAE phone number, search for bank swift codes, and had a compromised Microsoft 365 account.

Solademi also revealed that the iPhone was used to modify payment delivery from cheque to wire transfer.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the trial of Mustapha, which began in absentia on June 3, 2023, involves allegations of conspiracy to launder money, laundering of money, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, usage of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretences, and failure to disclose assets.

Mustapha was initially arraigned on January 22 alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, for eight counts related to N6 billion laundering. The court also issued a bench warrant for his arrest due to his absence in court.

The case is set to resume on November 1 for further proceedings.