The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicated its intention to appeal the Federal High Court’s decision in Lagos, which on Wednesday, July 16, acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of alleged N6.9 billion fraud charges.
In a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency confirmed it is currently reviewing Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke’s ruling and is preparing to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
“The Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal,” the statement said.
“The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment.”
Fayose faced a decade-long trial alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and stealing to the tune of ₦6.9 billion, allegedly committed during his tenure as governor of Ekiti State.
Persecondnews recalls that the former governor was re-arraigned before Justice Aneke on July 2, 2019, following his initial arraignment in 2018. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The EFCC had alleged that Fayose received funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser through former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, and used part of the money for his 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State.
During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses, including bank officials and government operatives, and tendered documents to support its case.
However, the defence has argued that the EFCC failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish the source and illegality of the funds in question.
Delivering his judgment on Wednesday, Justice Aneke ruled that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court consequently discharged and acquitted Fayose and his company of all charges.
The verdict has since drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some hailing it as a victory for justice, while others see it as a setback in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Despite the setback, the EFCC maintained that it remains resolute in its mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, adding that the planned appeal is part of its legal right to exhaust all options in pursuit of justice.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State between 2003–2007 and 2014–2018, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges were “politically motivated.”
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