The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the acquittal of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who was recently discharged by the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering case.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC confirmed it is reviewing the court’s ruling and preparing to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
“Following the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, acquitting and discharging a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, from an alleged money laundering case preferred against him by the EFCC, the Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal,” the statement read.
Fayose, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Limited, had been on trial since 2018 for allegedly receiving ₦2.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) during the 2014 Ekiti gubernatorial election — funds which prosecutors claimed were diverted for personal use.
After years of legal proceedings marked by several delays and arguments, the Federal High Court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission on Wednesday, stating that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case. The judge ruled that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to warrant a defense, thereby acquitting Fayose of all charges.
The EFCC, however, insists it remains committed to the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment,” the statement added.
The development comes in the wake of increased political attention surrounding the case. SaharaReporters had previously published a report on June 25, 2025, alleging that political interference may be undermining the case, despite what insiders described as strong evidence of corruption.
The report also highlighted recent high-level political meetings involving Fayose, including a closed-door session at the Presidential Villa with President Bola Tinubu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and other prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures such as former Governors Samuel Ortom and Okezie Ikpeazu.
Fayose had also visited President Tinubu privately in Lagos during the Sallah holiday in June. After the visit, he publicly expressed support for the president, praising Tinubu’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the Nigerian economy.
Despite his affiliation with the opposition PDP, Fayose has remained an outspoken supporter of the president, stating: “I believe in his capacity. I supported him even when he was governor of Lagos.”
The acquittal has reignited public scrutiny of the judiciary and the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, especially given the political context surrounding the case. Fayose had been facing 11 counts related to money laundering and theft of N6.9 billion in case No. FHC/L/353C/2018.
With the EFCC now preparing its appeal, attention will shift to the Court of Appeal as the agency seeks to overturn the ruling and reopen prosecution in one of the country’s most prominent corruption trials.
