Former Ekiti Governor Fayose Acquitted of Money Laundering Charges, EFCC Vows to Appeal

The Federal High Court in Lagos has acquitted former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose of all charges relating to fraud and money laundering, in a case spanning several years and involving alleged sums of up to ₦6.9 billion.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the judgment on Wednesday, upholding a no-case submission and ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction or require Fayose to enter a defence.

The court held that the EFCC had not been able to establish or link Fayose to the alleged crimes, neither was a prima facie case made against the former governor to justify further proceedings.

The judge noted serious deficiencies and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence—including testimonies and documents—that undermined the EFCC’s claims.
Justice Aneke highlighted that prosecution witnesses including former Minister of State for Defence gave contradictory and unreliable accounts about the funds in question particularly those allegedly raised for the 2014 Ekiti governorship election.

The judge pointed to problematic withdrawals and lack of clear documentation connecting Fayose to the transactions.
Fayose, visibly emotional after the verdict, expressed gratitude to God and his legal counsel, stating that the judgment had finally freed him from the burden of a seven-year criminal trial.

The EFCC has announced its intention to appeal the acquittal, stating it is studying the judgment and preparing further legal action. The agency remains committed to pursuing the case and addressing perceived lapses in the initial prosecution.

Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018, along with his company Spotless Investment Limited, on 11 counts of money laundering, theft, and criminal breach of trust, involving funds allegedly diverted from the Office of the former National Security Adviser.

The lengthy legal proceedings included multiple re-arraignments, adjournments, and an eventual transfer of the case to Justice Aneke after a petition from the EFCC.

The acquittal marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s high-profile anti-corruption trials, signaling renewed scrutiny over the evidentiary standards required in such cases.

As the EFCC prepares its appeal, legal experts are watching closely for the next chapter in what has become one of Nigeria’s most watched political legal battles