LAGOS — The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday acquitted and discharged former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marking a major legal victory after years of courtroom battles.
Delivering the ruling, the court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case warranting his defence. The judgment effectively brings an end to the long-standing trial, which began shortly after Fayose left office in 2018.
Fayose had been accused of conspiring to launder N2.2 billion in public funds, allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The EFCC claimed that part of the funds was used to finance Fayose’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.
However, in the ruling on Tuesday, the presiding judge noted that the EFCC failed to provide sufficient, credible evidence linking the former governor directly to the alleged crimes. The court also criticised the quality of witness testimonies presented by the prosecution, describing them as inconsistent and lacking in substance.
Reacting to the judgment, Fayose, through his legal team, described the ruling as a “triumph of truth and justice,” while reiterating his consistent claim of innocence.
“This outcome reaffirms my position from the beginning—that the charges were politically motivated. I have always trusted in the judiciary, and today’s decision further strengthens my faith in the legal system,” Fayose said in a statement.
Legal observers view the judgment as a significant blow to the EFCC, which had listed Fayose’s case among its high-profile anti-corruption prosecutions. The agency is yet to respond officially to the court’s ruling or announce whether it will pursue an appeal.
Fayose, a two-term governor and member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had remained vocal in national politics despite his legal battles. With the charges now behind him, analysts suggest he may seek a more active political role ahead of the 2027 general elections.
