THE former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has filed a no-case submission at the Federal High Court in Lagos, arguing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has failed to establish a prima facie case against him in the ongoing ₦6.9 billion fraud trial.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the proceedings, has reserved his ruling on the application.
Fayose, represented by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), is facing trial alongside Spotless Investment Limited, represented by Olalekan Ojo (SAN).
The EFCC, through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), brought 11 charges, including alleged theft and money laundering.
Agabi, in his argument dated July 16, 2025, insisted that the EFCC had not presented sufficient evidence to warrant Fayose’s defense.
He noted that Abiodun Agbele, a key figure in the case, was not charged, undermining the credibility of the prosecution.
Ojo, who filed a similar no-case submission on March 21, supported by additional documents submitted on May 16, questioned the reliability of the EFCC’s 13th witness, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
He pointed out that Obanikoro admitted under cross-examination there was no direct contact between Fayose and former NSA Sambo Dasuki — weakening the prosecution’s case.
In response, Jacobs urged the court to reject the no-case submissions, arguing that the defendants had failed to justify suspicious transactions.
He highlighted testimony from an EFCC investigator who claimed Fayose used associates to purchase properties, which he later admitted belonged to him, despite their denials.
“If the funds were legitimate, why didn’t he use his own account or acquire the properties in his name?” Jacobs asked.
Jacobs also cited Obanikoro’s claim that Fayose personally requested cash and introduced Agbele to receive the funds, which, he argued, warrants a defense.
After hearing both arguments, Justice Aneke granted Fayose’s request to travel abroad for medical treatment and adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling.
Fayose was originally arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who retired. The case was reassigned to Justice Aneke.
The EFCC alleges that Fayose received ₦1.2 billion for his 2014 election campaign and accepted $5 million in cash from Obanikoro, violating anti-money laundering laws.
He is also accused of laundering over ₦1.6 billion through proxy companies, including De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd.