EFCC’s Next Move in Fayose’s Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared its intention to appeal the recent judgement by the Federal High Court in Lagos, which cleared former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of allegations involving ₦6.9bn fraud. The commission is currently reviewing the court’s decision and preparing its legal team for the appeal process.
The Case Against Fayose
Fayose, alongside Spotless Investment Limited, faced an 11-count charge related to money laundering and theft, dating back to his re-arraignment in July 2019. Despite the charges, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ruled that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against Fayose, leading to his acquittal.
Justice Aneke’s Ruling
In his judgement, Justice Aneke highlighted the lack of substantial evidence linking Fayose to the alleged crimes, criticizing the prosecution’s reliance on inconsistent testimonies and insufficient documentation. The judge’s decision has sparked a renewed effort by the EFCC to pursue justice, underscoring the complexities of high-profile financial crime cases in Nigeria.