The Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges relating to alleged money laundering and theft involving ₦6.9 billion.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose’s legal team, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case or directly link Fayose to the alleged crimes. As a result, the court held that there was no justification to compel the former governor to open his defence.
Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, but the case was later reassigned to Justice Aneke upon the EFCC’s request. The anti-graft agency had accused Fayose of receiving ₦1.2 billion for his 2014 gubernatorial campaign, as well as $5 million in cash from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, without passing through a financial institution.
He was also alleged to have laundered various amounts, including over ₦1.6 billion, through companies such as De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, and was arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts of money laundering and theft.
The EFCC claimed the alleged offences were committed during his time as governor and involved funds reportedly linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Fayose’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the EFCC failed to provide evidence to support the charges. He also questioned why Abiodun Agbele—allegedly a key player in the transactions—was not charged alongside Fayose.
“With due respect, the predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi said. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct, and no co-conspirator was charged.”
The court agreed with the submission and subsequently discharged the former governor.
This ruling marks the end of a high-profile legal battle that lasted over seven years.
