N6.9bn Fraud: Former Governor Fayose Sends Crucial Message To Court

• Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N6.9bn fraud charges
• Fayose filed a no-case submission in reaction to EFCC charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos state
• The anti-graft agency pressed 11 counts, bordering on stealing and money laundering, against Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

Lagos state - Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he has no case to answer to over alleged N6.9bn fraud charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fayose filed a no-case submission in response to the EFCC’s N6.9bn fraud charges.

The EFCC through its lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), pressed 11 counts, bordering on stealing and money laundering, against Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited.

The former PDP governor was represented by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), while Olalekan Ojo (SAN) represented the film.

As reported by The Punch, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke heard the no-case submission and subsequently reserved a ruling on it.

At the court proceedings on Monday, May 19, 2025, Fayose’s counsel, Agabi, argued the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor.

Agabi also pointed out that a central figure in the alleged transactions, Abiodun Agbele, was not charged alongside Fayose.

“The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi said. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.”

EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the no-case submissions.

Jacobs argued that the defendants had failed to explain suspicious financial transactions in a counter-affidavit and written address dated May 8, 2025.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria asked why Fayose did not use his personal bank account for the transactions if they were legitimate.

He cited EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki’s testimony, which stated that Fayose used associates to purchase properties both in Nigeria and abroad.

According to the testimony, the associates later denied ownership of the properties, even though Fayose had claimed them in his statement.

“If the money was clean, why didn’t he acquire the properties in his name?”

Fayose Visits Tinubu in Lagos

Recall that Fayose said it was "a great pleasure" to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.

After meeting with President Tinubu at Bourdillon in Ikoyi, Fayose, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), posed delightfully for pictures with the Nigerian leader.

Legit.ng reports that Fayose had said he was still a member of the PDP, adding that he will never leave it for anything.

Fayose under fire over comment on PDP

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that PDP chieftain, David Itopa, reacted to Fayose's statement that "only a miracle can save PDP"

Fayose’s remarks have stirred debate within the party, with some leaders viewing them as harmful to the PDP’s efforts to rebuild after the 2023 elections.

Itopa urged the PDP leadership to enforce party discipline and promote reconciliation to ensure sustainable peace within the party.

Source: Legit.ng