A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of ₦6.9 billion money laundering and theft charges. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case linking Fayose to the alleged crimes.
Fayose was arraigned in 2018 on an 11-count charge involving misuse of public funds, The charges included ₦1.2 billion and $5 million cash payment allegedly received for his 2014 campaign. Fayose was also accused of laundering ₦1.6 billion through firms like De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd.The court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, citing lack of evidence.
Justice Aneke agreed with Fayose’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), that the EFCC’s failure to prosecute key accomplices undermined its case. The court stated that the charges lacked sufficient legal basis to proceed with trial.
This ruling marks a significant development in the case, highlighting the importance of evidence-based prosecution. The court’s decision has sparked reactions across the nation, with many awaiting further details.
