Court Acquits Ayo Fayose Of Fraud Charges…We’ll File An Appeal Without Delay-EFCC
The Federal High Court, Lagos has acquitted Chief Ayodele Fayose of fraud charges.
Chief Ayo Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, had faced charges bordering on money laundering and theft to the tune of ₦6.9 billion.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke submitted that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case and ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to link him to the alleged crime.
Chief Fayose was first brought before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun in 2018, but the EFCC later got the case transferred to Justice Aneke.
The anti-graft agency had accused Fayose of receiving ₦1.2 billion for his 2014 governorship campaign, he also allegedly collected $5million cash from a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.
He was also accused of laundering various sums, including over ₦1.6 billion, which was allegedly used to acquire properties through companies that include De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd.
Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, were re-arraigned before Justice Aneke and made to face charges bordering on money laundering and theft.
The alleged offences were said to have been committed while he was serving as governor and it was said to have involved funds reportedly linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Fayose’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued on Wednesday that the EFCC failed to prove any of the allegations.
He also noted that Abiodun Agbele, who was allegedly involved in the transactions, was not among the defendants.
‘With due respect, the predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct, and no co-conspirator was made to face charges alongside the defendant’ Agabi submitted.
The court agreed with his line of argument and acquitted the former governor of the fraud charges
In the meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has disclosed plans to formally request a higher court to review and overturn the decision made by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
The anti-graft agency in a Facebokk post shortly after the judgment said it is already studying the court’s decision and has begun preparations to file an appeal.
‘The Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal.
The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment’ EFCC submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
