The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) will appeal the discharge and acquittal of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose of charges of fraud totaling over N6 billion, a statement by Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s spokesman disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, of all charges of money laundering and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering judgment on a no-case submission on Tuesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke held that the EFCC failed to establish a *prima facie* case against Fayose that would warrant him opening his defence.
“The prosecution has failed to provide credible evidence linking the first defendant to the offences as charged,” Justice Aneke ruled. “There is no justification for the court to call on the first defendant to enter his defence. He is hereby discharged and acquitted.”
The EFCC had re-arraigned Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N6.9 billion. The alleged offences were said to have been committed during Fayose’s tenure as governor of Ekiti State between 2014 and 2018.
The Commission had alleged that the funds were part of the money disbursed by the Office of the National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan and were illegally diverted for Fayose’s use.
Reacting the court’s ruling, Oyewale said the EFCC is studying the ruling and as much as it affirms its commitment to the rule of law, its had put process in motion to appeal the judgment.
