The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges bordering on ₦6.9 billion money laundering, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to link him to the alleged crimes.

In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose, stating that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case. The court held that there was no justification to continue the trial as the EFCC was unable to connect the former governor to the alleged financial infractions.

Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, had been standing trial since 2018 on 11 counts relating to alleged conspiracy and money laundering. The EFCC had accused him of receiving ₦1.2 billion and $5 million from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, for the purpose of funding his 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

The prosecution further claimed that the funds, which were allegedly part of a larger sum meant for arms procurement, were laundered through various fronts and companies, including De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd.

However, in its ruling, the court noted that the EFCC failed to provide credible evidence linking Fayose to the receipt or laundering of the alleged funds. Justice Aneke pointed out that most of the prosecution’s witnesses gave hearsay evidence and could not establish direct involvement by the defendant.

Counsel to Fayose, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had argued during the trial that the EFCC’s case lacked merit and failed to meet the threshold required to establish criminal culpability. He further contended that the charges did not meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and should be dismissed accordingly.

The judge agreed, ruling that the evidence tendered was insufficient and could not sustain the charges brought against the former governor. The court, therefore, discharged and acquitted Fayose and his company.