By Joy Yesufu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges bordering on money laundering and theft.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke discharged and acquitted Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency in 2019.
Justice Aneke however, discharged and acquitted Fayose after upholding his no-case submission filed to challenge his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Aneke ruled that the EFCC had not been able to link Fayose to the crime, nor was a prima facie made case against him to warrant further defence.
The EFCC had accused Fayose of laundering N6.9 billion during his tenure as governor.
Reacting to the ruling, the EFCC said it is dissatisfied with the judgment and has commenced the process of filing an appeal.
A statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that its legal team has been briefed to challenge the verdict.
“The Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal,” the statement read. “The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it proceeds with the appeal process.”
Fayose, who served as governor from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2018, has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the case was instituted.
His legal team had earlier argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence.
The appeal is expected to be filed in the coming days.
