The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos that discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose of alleged money laundering and theft.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, had earlier on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 delivered the ruling discharging and acquitting Fayose of the charges.
The court also cleared Fayose’s company, Spotless Investment Limited, of the 11-count charge brought against them by the anti-graft agency.
The charges, originally filed in 2019, accused Fayose of laundering N6.9 billion.
Reacting to the verdict, the EFCC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said it is dissatisfied with the judgment and has begun the process of challenging it at the Court of Appeal
“Sequel to the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, acquitting and discharging a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose from an alleged money laundering case preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal.
“The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment, ” the statement said.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State in two non-consecutive terms (2003–2007 and 2014–2018), has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the charges were politically motivated.
Ruling on a no-case submission on Wednesday, Chukwujekwu Aneke, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Fayose to warrant further defence.
While making a no-case submission on May 19, Kanu Agabi, counsel to the former governor, argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Fayose.
He noted that Abiodun Agbele, who allegedly played a central role in the transactions, was not charged alongside Fayose, weakening the EFCC’s case. (vitalnewsngr.com)
