The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will appeal the acquittal of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose in the alleged N6.9 billion money laundering case. The development follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, where Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke discharged and acquitted Fayose of all charges.

The EFCC confirmed its intention to challenge the verdict in a statement posted on its official Twitter handle. The agency said it is studying the judgment and preparing grounds for appeal.

Background to the Case

Fayose was re-arraigned on July 2, 2019, alongside Spotless Investment Limited, on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing totaling N6.9bn. The long-running case has been closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s anti-graft fight at both state and federal levels.

Court’s Ruling

In delivering judgment, Justice Aneke held that the prosecution failed to credibly link the defendant to the alleged crimes in a way that would warrant calling him to open a defence. With that, the court cleared Fayose of the charges.

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Fayose Celebrates With ‘The People’

Moments after the ruling, Fayose was seen celebrating by buying and eating amala with ewedu alongside bricklayers at a construction site—a symbolic “thank you” gesture, he said, to ordinary Nigerians. The clip was shared on Facebook by Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“We are grateful to God,” Fayose said in the video, pointing to the workers and calling them “my family people.”

What Happens Next?

EFCC is reviewing the judgment and is expected to file an appeal.

Appeal timelines in criminal/financial matters can move quickly; watchers of Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape will be tracking the next court date closely.

Political and legal reactions are likely, given the profile of the case and the amount involved.

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