Ex-Ekiti Governor Fayose Challenges N6.9bn Fraud Charges, Court to Decide

In a significant development in the ongoing N6.9 billion fraud trial, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that there is no case against him.

On Monday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke heard Fayose’s no-case submission, a legal move arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case warranting trial.

Fayose’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), insisted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) charges are fundamentally flawed. “The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi told the court, pointing out that a key player, Abiodun Agbele, was conspicuously absent from the charges. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.”

Supporting Fayose, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), representing Spotless Investment Limited, the second defendant, questioned the prosecution’s credibility, especially that of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the 13th witness. Ojo highlighted Obanikoro’s admission that there was no direct contact between Fayose and former NSA Col. Sambo Dasuki, which undermines the prosecution’s narrative.

EFCC’s Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) countered, urging the court to reject the no-case submissions. He cited evidence showing suspicious financial transactions and questioned why Fayose did not conduct transactions through his personal bank account if the funds were legitimate. Jacobs also referred to EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki’s testimony that Fayose used associates to buy properties, which those associates later denied owning.

“If the money was clean, why didn’t he acquire the properties in his name?” Jacobs asked pointedly. He emphasized that Obanikoro’s testimony about Fayose personally requesting cash and introducing Agbele to handle delivery requires a defense.

The court granted Fayose permission to travel abroad for medical treatment and adjourned the case until July 10, 2025, when the judge will rule on the no-case submission.

Fayose’s trial, which began in 2018, revolves around allegations that he received N1.2 billion for his 2014 campaign and took $5 million in cash from Obanikoro, circumventing financial institutions. He also faces charges of laundering over N1.6 billion through proxies and companies, violating anti-money laundering laws.