Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the ruling that acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of money laundering and fraud allegations.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the judgment on Wednesday, holding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Fayose to warrant further defense.
The EFCC had re-arraigned Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, on an 11-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N6.9 billion allegedly committed when he was governor.
Fayose’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, noting that Abiodun Agbele, who allegedly played a central role in the transactions, was not charged alongside Fayose.
Agabi submitted, “With due respect, the predicate offenses do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct offenses, and no co-conspirator was charged.”
The court upheld the no-case application filed by the defendants. However, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, noted that the prosecution will make an effort to obtain the certified copy of the judgment and prepare grounds for an appeal.
Jacobs had argued that the defense failed to justify several suspicious transactions, questioning why Fayose would not use his personal bank account for transfers if the funds from the NSA were legitimate.
