The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it will appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, that discharged and acquitted a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, of charges bordering on money laundering.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, cleared Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.
The charges, originally filed on July 2, 2019, alleged money laundering and theft of N6.9bn.
Reacting to the verdict, the EFCC, in a statement on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said it is currently studying the judgment and has begun the process of filing an appeal.
The statement party read, “Sequel to the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, acquitting and discharging a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose from an alleged money laundering case preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 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 judgment.”
Fayose, who served as governor between 2003 and 2007, and again from 2014 to 2018, has consistently maintained his innocence since the charges were brought against him.