The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to appeal a recent Federal High Court judgment that acquitted former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, of multiple charges related to money laundering and theft involving N6.9 billion.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered the ruling on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, discharging and acquitting Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
The case, which dates back to July 2, 2019, accused the former governor of laundering billions of naira during his tenure in office.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State from 2003 to 2007 and again between 2014 and 2018, had consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the duration of the trial.
In response to the court’s verdict, the EFCC issued a statement through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, expressing its intention to challenge the decision.
The Commission stated that it is currently reviewing the judgment and has commenced the process of filing an appeal.
Reiterating its stance, the EFCC emphasized its dedication to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice through legal channels.
The acquittal marks a significant development in a case that has spanned several years and attracted widespread public and media attention.
As the EFCC prepares to return to court, legal observers anticipate a renewed round of proceedings in what remains one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption cases.
