In a critical development in the high-profile trial of Nigerian socialite Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, the Lagos State Special Offences Court has admitted his iPhone as evidence.
This device is pivotal to the ₦6 billion money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the prosecution, forensic analysis by the FBI revealed that Mompha’s iPhone was instrumental in executing key activities tied to the alleged scheme.
The phone reportedly facilitated the transmission of account details to a United Arab Emirates (UAE) number, searches for bank Swift codes, and access to a compromised Microsoft 365 account.
It was also allegedly used in attempted fraudulent wire transfers. These findings were submitted to the court by an FBI forensic expert during the proceedings.
Mompha faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to launder illicit funds, failure to disclose assets, and possession of false documents. His defense contested the admissibility of the FBI report, arguing it lacked proper certification. However, Justice Mojisola Dada ruled in favor of the prosecution, emphasizing the authenticity and relevance of the documents.
The trial is set to resume on December 19, 2023, as the court delves deeper into the allegations against the socialite.
