A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges in the long-standing money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against him. As a result, the court determined there was no need for the defendant to enter a defence.
Fayose was first arraigned on charges relating to alleged fraud and money laundering during his time in office as governor. The EFCC had accused him of financial misconduct and misappropriation of public funds.
However, after years of trial proceedings, the court concluded that the evidence brought forward by the anti-graft agency was inadequate to support the allegations.
The decision marks the end of a protracted legal battle for the former governor, who has consistently denied the charges since the case began.
