An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday has admitted as evidence an iPhone belonging to social media celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, in an ongoing ₦6 billion money laundering case.

Mompha, who is still at large, is being prosecuted alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on an eight-count charge of money laundering.

During the hearing, Musa Idi, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the sixth prosecution witness, testified that the phone had undergone forensic analysis conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He revealed that fraudulent documents were retrieved from the device during the investigation.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Mr. Suleiman Suleiman, Idi confirmed that the iPhone was seized during the course of the investigation. Suleiman subsequently requested that the court admit the phone as evidence.

Mompha’s counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, objected, arguing that the prosecution had not provided the required foundation for admitting the phone, citing the absence of a certificate accompanying the device as stipulated by the Evidence Act.

In response, the prosecutor argued that the Evidence Act’s provisions were not applicable in this case, urging the court to admit the phone regardless.

Justice Mojisola Dada overruled the defence’s objection, ruling in favor of the prosecution. The court admitted the iPhone as evidence, marking it as Exhibit P7.

At a prior hearing, two other documents—a statement from the first defendant and an asset declaration—were admitted as Exhibits P5 and P6.

The witness had earlier testified on July 1 about the EFCC’s investigation, which began after receiving intelligence from the FBI implicating Mompha and his company in cybercrime activities in the United States.

Justice Dada adjourned the trial until January 3, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings

Legendary British musician, Elton John, has lost his eyesight.

At the premiere of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ The Musical in London on Sunday, December 1, the 77-year-old pianist revealed that while he couldn’t see the show, he thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Addressing the theatre audience, the award-winning singer expressed his gratitude for his husband’s support during difficult times.

He said, “As some of you may know I have had issues and now I have lost my sight. I haven’t been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it.

“To my husband, who has been my rock because I have not been able to come to many of the previews.

“It’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight.”

The music icon had earlier shared that he lost vision in one eye after contracting a severe eye infection during his vacation.

John is one of the best-selling artists of all time, renowned for iconic hits like Your Song, Rocket Man, and I’m Still Standing.

Over a career spanning six decades, he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

His accolades include five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards (including Outstanding Contribution to Music), two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globes.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington barely two months after he was released.

It would be recalled that the singer, also known as Akpi, was arrested on 4 October, following the release of a contentious video in which he allegedly mocked his colleague, Burna Boy’s association with American rapper Diddy, who has faced legal issues with the FBI over charges of sexual exploitation.

The outspoken Nigerian singer was, however, released on bail on October 9 after spending five days in detention.

His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju announced the latest arrest on Wednesday via a post on his official Facebook page.

He wrote, “Our client Speed Darlington, a.k.a AKPI has been arrested by the Nigerian police in Owerri at his show upon return to Nigeria”.