The Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of allegations bordering on money laundering and theft amounting to ₦6.9 billion.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the ruling on Tuesday after upholding a no-case submission filed by Fayose’s legal team, challenging the competence of the charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against the former governor and could not link him directly to any of the alleged offences, thereby ruling that there was no need for him to enter a defence.
Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, were re-arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and money laundering. The case, initially heard by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun in 2018, was later reassigned to Justice Aneke at the EFCC’s request.
The EFCC alleged that Fayose received ₦1.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser for his 2014 gubernatorial campaign and accepted a $5 million cash payment from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. He was also accused of laundering over ₦1.6 billion through companies such as De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd. to purchase properties.
However, Fayose’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued during the May 20 hearing that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking his client to the alleged crimes.
Agabi also pointed out that Abiodun Agbele, a key figure mentioned in the EFCC’s case, was not jointly tried with Fayose, thereby weakening the charges.
“With due respect, the predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct, and no co-conspirator was charged alongside the defendant,” Agabi stated.
He urged the court to rule that Fayose had no case to answer—a position Justice Aneke ultimately agreed with.
The EFCC, represented by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had opposed the no-case submission, insisting there was enough evidence to proceed to full trial. But the court disagreed, ruling in favour of the defence.
The decision marks a significant legal victory for Fayose, who has consistently maintained his innocence since his initial arraignment.
