A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of all charges related to alleged money laundering and theft amounting to ₦6.9 billion.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish any link between him and the alleged crimes or present sufficient evidence to warrant a defence.

Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, but the case was later reassigned to Justice Aneke at the EFCC’s request. The commission had accused Fayose of receiving ₦1.2 billion for his 2014 gubernatorial campaign and accepting $5 million in cash from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, outside the formal banking system.

He was also alleged to have laundered over ₦1.6 billion through companies like De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd to purchase properties. Alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, Fayose was re-arraigned on 11 counts bordering on money laundering and theft.

At the hearing, Fayose’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the EFCC failed to present credible evidence or charge any co-conspirator, including Abiodun Agbele, who was allegedly involved in the transactions.

Justice Aneke agreed, stating that the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case and subsequently discharged Fayose of all charges.