By Peter Omopo / July 16, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos that discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of alleged money laundering and theft charges.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the ruling on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, absolving Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of all 11 counts of corruption filed by the EFCC.
The charges, which date back to July 2, 2019, centered on allegations that Fayose laundered and misappropriated N6.9 billion during his tenure as governor.
In reaction to the court’s decision, the EFCC, through a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that it is already taking steps to challenge the judgment at the appellate level.
“The Commission is currently reviewing the judgment and has initiated the process of filing an appeal,” the statement read.
The case, which spanned several years and drew significant public attention, was one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving a former state governor.
Fayose, who has consistently denied the allegations, described the ruling as a victory for justice and a vindication of his long-standing claim of political persecution.
However, the EFCC maintained that it had presented substantial evidence during the trial and expressed confidence that a higher court would take a different view on the matter.
Legal analysts say the appeal process may reignite national conversations about accountability, prosecutorial effectiveness, and the anti-graft war in Nigeria.
