By Emmanuel Adegbite
LAGOS, Nigeria: The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over an alleged N2.2 billion fraud, to July 10, 2025. The adjournment follows the closure of the prosecution’s case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after presenting 20 witnesses.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the proceedings, scheduled the adjourned date for the hearing of a no-case submission expected to be filed by Fayose’s legal team.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State between 2014 and 2018, is being prosecuted alongside his company, Spotless Investment Limited, on 11 counts bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and abuse of office.
According to the EFCC, Fayose allegedly received N2.2 billion from former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), through former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro. The money, allegedly diverted from funds meant for national security, was purportedly used to finance Fayose’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.
The former governor has repeatedly denied all allegations, calling the charges politically motivated.
Over several hearings, the EFCC called 20 witnesses, including bank officials, former government functionaries, and EFCC operatives. Star witness Musiliu Obanikoro testified that he personally supervised the delivery of hundreds of millions in cash to Fayose via chartered aircraft and intermediaries.
Bankers also confirmed irregular transactions and large cash lodgments allegedly linked to Spotless Investment Limited. The EFCC presented extensive documentation including bank statements, transaction vouchers, and email correspondences allegedly connecting the funds to the defendant.
Following the prosecution’s closure, Fayose’s lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court of plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.
“The evidence brought before this honourable court does not substantiate the charges. We intend to prove that the defendant has no case to answer,” Ojo told the court.
Justice Aneke granted the request and adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for hearing on the application.
The no-case submission is a critical legal move. If the court upholds it, Fayose could be discharged without entering a formal defence. If rejected, the trial will proceed, and the former governor will be required to defend himself against the charges.
Legal experts say the next hearing will be a major turning point in a case that has lingered since 2018 due to adjournments, changes in legal teams, and procedural delays.
Anti-corruption advocates have expressed hope that the court will uphold justice regardless of political affiliations.
“This is a test of the judiciary’s resolve to fight corruption. Nigerians are watching. Justice must be served swiftly and transparently,” said Amina Yusuf, Executive Director of Transparency Frontier.
Fayose remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, known for his populist rhetoric and fierce criticisms of successive administrations. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact public perception of Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption among high-ranking officials.
