Ex-Ekiti Gov. Fayose rearraigned in Lagos, faces 11- count amended charge

A former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose was on Thursday rearraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on an 11- count amended charge.

Fayose was hauled up alongside his company — Spotless Ltd by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Persecondnews.com reports.

In the amended charges, Fayose, a PDP chieftain and Abiodun Agbele, who is also standing trial over alleged money laundering offences before another Federal High Court, were alleged to have taken possession of N1.2 billion on June 17, 2014 to fund Fayose’s 2014 governorship poll.

The duo also allegedly received $5 million from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the then Minister of State for Defence without going through any financial institution, adding that they committed criminal breach of trust, theft and stealing of public funds.

In addition, the EFCC alleged that on April 7, 2015, Fayose retained the sum of N300 million in his fixed deposit account.

Fayose and his company (Spotless Ltd) were also alleged to have between June 17 and August 4, 2014, taken control of N317 million, and deposited same in his account.

That between June 26 and August 27, 2014, they took control of the sum of N305,760,000, which formed part of proceeds of unlawful act, while procuring one of his aides, Abiodun Agbele and a company, De-privateer Limited, to retain the sum of N719,490,000 in their bank account.

The EFCC alleged that Fayose used the sum of N270 million and N1.151,711,573 respectively, to acquire properties at Plot 1,504, Yedsema Street, Maitama, Abuja from one Rabi Kundili, and Chalets 3, 4, 6 and 9, at Plot 100, Tiyamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the name of JJ Technical Services.

Fayose while calling the shots as governor had between October 16 and December 31, 2018, failed to declare his assets, by not completing the asset declaration form during investigation.

The offences contravened Sections 15(2)(d); 1 and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended, as well as Section 15(3)(4); 16(2)(b).

Fayose, however, entered a not- guilty plea while his trial continues tomorrow, Dec. 3.