By Ayomide Otitoju
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of alleged internet fraudster Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, along with his companies—606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited—on Tuesday.
The defendants face a five-count charge alleging conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime amounting to N206 million, contrary to Section 332(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and punishable under Section 332(3) of the same law.
Before Justice Rahman Oshodi, Babafemi pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. The prosecution, led by Ayanfe Ogunsina, requested a trial date and urged that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility.
However, defence counsel Kunle Adegoke (SAN) informed the court that he had received the charge only the previous day and had prepared a bail application overnight. He requested the release of his client to his custody, assuring the court that Babafemi would appear on the next adjourned date.
Justice Oshodi granted the request, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon filing an affidavit of undertaking. The trial has been scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.
The charges allege, among other things, that Babafemi, as Managing Director and CEO of the companies, conspired with Mompha and others between 2013 and 2018 to conceal the origin of funds and transfer N37.6 million to one Omojadesola Shittu Allison (Count One), and N93 million to Olanrewaju Ibrahim Oriyomi (Count Two), knowing or reasonably expected to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.
