EFCC to Appeal Fayose’s Acquittal in ₦6.9bn Fraud Case

EFCC to Appeal Fayose’s Acquittal in ₦6.9bn Fraud Case.
EFCC rejects ruling, plans to appeal decision immediately.
Fayose filed no-case submission, court upheld his argument.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the Federal High Court ruling that discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of money laundering and fraud charges.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement posted on its official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency said it is currently reviewing the judgment delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke and has begun preparations to challenge the verdict.

Naija News reports that Justice Aneke, ruling on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose’s legal team, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case that would warrant the former governor to enter a defence.

Fayose had been standing trial over an alleged ₦6.9 billion fraud, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Limited. The charges, filed by the EFCC in 2019, included 11 counts bordering on money laundering and theft.

The former governor entered a no-case submission on May 20, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence was inadequate and lacked merit. The court agreed, discharging him of all allegations.

Reacting to the decision, the EFCC said:
“Sequel to the judgement of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke… acquitting and discharging former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose… the Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal.

“The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgement.”

Fayose was re-arraigned in July 2019, and Wednesday’s ruling marks a significant development in the long-running case, although legal proceedings are far from over.