The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, acquitted former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose of money laundering charges.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered the judgement, clearing Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge filed by the EFCC. The case, instituted on July 2, 2019, involved allegations of money laundering and the alleged theft of N6.9 billion.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission said it is currently reviewing the judgement and has begun the process of filing an appeal.
The statement reads in part: “Following the judgement of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, acquitting former Ekiti State Governor Mr. Ayodele Fayose of money laundering charges, the EFCC is studying the ruling and preparing an appeal.
The Commission remains committed to upholding the rule of law and has instructed its legal team accordingly.”
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2018, has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the charges were first filed.
