Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has formally submitted a no-case application in response to the N6.9 billion corruption allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos presided over the proceedings and has reserved judgment on the motion until July 10, 2025.

Senior Legal Team Asks Court to Dismiss Charges

Fayose’s defence is led by prominent legal figure and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). Representing the second defendant, Spotless Investment Limited, is Olalekan Ojo (SAN). Together, they argue that the EFCC has failed to establish any credible evidence that would require Fayose to enter a defence.

Agabi, referencing the motion filed on July 16, 2025, stated that the EFCC has not presented a convincing prima facie case against his client. He questioned the prosecution’s decision to leave out Abiodun Agbele—a central figure in the alleged crimes—from the charge sheet. Agabi further claimed that the offences of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy require accomplices, yet none were tried alongside Fayose.

Credibility of Key Witness Questioned

Olalekan Ojo, who adopted the no-case submission submitted on March 21 and later updated on May 16, also contested the integrity of the prosecution’s star witness, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence. During cross-examination, Obanikoro allegedly admitted that he had no direct communication with Fayose concerning the transfer of funds from the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

Ojo highlighted that this admission significantly weakens the EFCC’s narrative and brings into question the entire evidential framework of the case.

EFCC Insists on Full Trial, Alleges Suspicious Transactions

In a sharp rebuttal, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) filed a written response dated May 8, 2025, arguing against the no-case motions. He stated that the former governor had failed to offer a clear explanation for several suspicious financial dealings.

Jacobs asked why Fayose had not used his personal accounts if the funds were legitimate. According to EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, Fayose allegedly used intermediaries to acquire valuable properties within and outside Nigeria. These individuals later disowned the properties, even though Fayose acknowledged owning them in his own statements to the commission.

Jacobs argued that if the funds were clean, Fayose would not have needed proxies or shell companies to make the purchases.

Accused Granted Leave for Medical Travel

Despite the heated arguments, the court granted Fayose’s request to travel overseas for medical reasons. His lead counsel, Agabi, filed the application during Monday’s hearing, which Justice Aneke approved.

The case originally began in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun. After her retirement, the matter was reassigned to Justice Aneke for continuation.

EFCC’s Core Allegations

The EFCC’s charges accuse Fayose of receiving N1.2 billion in illicit funds to support his 2014 gubernatorial campaign. They also allege he took $5 million in cash from Obanikoro, avoiding regulatory scrutiny by bypassing banks. Additional claims involve the laundering of over N1.6 billion through proxies and companies such as Still Earth Ltd and De Privateer Ltd, in direct violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011.

The final decision on the no-case submission will be delivered on July 10, 2025.

Fayose Moves to Quash N6.9bn Fraud Case as Court Reserves Ruling

Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has mounted a legal defence to nullify the N6.9 billion corruption charges pressed against him by the EFCC. His legal team filed a no-case submission before the Federal High Court in Lagos, asserting that the anti-graft agency has failed to prove its allegations.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke heard the motion and announced that a ruling will be delivered on July 10, 2025.

Lead Defence Lawyers Contest EFCC’s Legal Grounds

Fayose, represented by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), filed the no-case submission on July 16, 2025, challenging the validity of the prosecution’s evidence. The second defendant in the case, Spotless Investment Limited, is being defended by Olalekan Ojo (SAN).

Agabi claimed that the EFCC had not demonstrated a solid basis for any of the 11 charges filed, which include conspiracy, theft, and money laundering. He argued that a vital figure in the transaction trail—Abiodun Agbele—was not charged, casting doubt on the case’s legal foundation. According to him, the charges rest on vague allegations unsupported by any direct links.

Witness Testimony Faces Credibility Crisis

In addition, Ojo raised questions about the reliability of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, one of the EFCC’s key witnesses. He pointed out that Obanikoro admitted under cross-examination that no communication occurred between Fayose and Sambo Dasuki—the source of the funds.

Ojo claimed that this admission renders the alleged conspiracy speculative and unsupported. He submitted further documentation on May 16, 2025, reinforcing the March 21 no-case application.

EFCC Responds with Counter-Affidavit and Defense of Charges

EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), responded with a comprehensive counter-affidavit, asking the court to reject the no-case applications. He insisted that Fayose must explain how large sums of money moved through proxies and companies under his control.

Jacobs cited investigator Abubakar Madaki, who testified that the ex-governor used associates to buy real estate in Nigeria and abroad—properties later disclaimed by those associates. Jacobs questioned why, if the transactions were legal, Fayose didn’t acquire the assets in his own name.

He also referenced Obanikoro’s claim that Fayose had personally asked for the funds in cash and had introduced Agbele as the recipient—suggesting the governor played a central role that warrants trial.

Court Grants Medical Travel Amid Trial Delay

The court permitted Fayose to leave the country for medical treatment after Agabi made the request during the hearing. Justice Aneke approved the application before adjourning the matter.

The case, which began in 2018 before now-retired Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, was transferred to Justice Aneke after her exit from the bench.

Fraud Allegations and Financial Links

The EFCC accuses Fayose of accepting N1.2 billion from government funds to bankroll his 2014 electoral campaign. The agency also alleges that he received $5 million in hard cash from Obanikoro and moved N1.6 billion through third parties and companies, all in violation of the Money Laundering Act of 2011.

The court’s decision on whether Fayose will face full trial or be discharged is expected on July 10, 2025.