A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges of money laundering and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case that would necessitate the former governor entering a defence.
The judge stated that after carefully reviewing the evidence presented by the EFCC, it was clear that the prosecution did not provide sufficient proof linking Fayose directly to the alleged offenses.
Fayose had been standing trial for several years on a revised 11-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and theft, which allegedly took place during his tenure as governor of Ekiti State between 2014 and 2018.
The EFCC accused Fayose of receiving over N2.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through his associate, Abiodun Agbele, ahead of the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State. The funds were allegedly laundered and used for political campaigns and personal enrichment, according to the anti-graft agency.
Fayose, who first appeared before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun in October 2018, was later re-arraigned before Justice Aneke after the original trial judge retired.
Throughout the protracted trial, Fayose consistently pleaded not guilty, arguing that the charges were politically motivated. His legal team filed a no-case submission at the close of the prosecution’s case, asking the court to dismiss the charges for lack of evidence.
In today’s judgment, the court agreed with the defence that the EFCC failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate its claims and therefore discharged Fayose of all counts.
Fayose, reacting to the judgment, expressed relief and described the ruling as “a victory for truth, justice, and democracy.” He also reiterated his long-standing position that the charges were part of a politically orchestrated witch-hunt aimed at silencing him.
As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official response on whether it intends to appeal the ruling.
The development marks a significant turning point in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile anti-corruption cases involving a former governor, and may have wider implications for similar ongoing prosecutions across the country.
More details to follow.
