The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its decision to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose of charges bordering on money laundering.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who delivered the ruling, cleared Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge filed by the EFCC. The charges, first brought on July 2, 2019, alleged the laundering and misappropriation of N6.9 billion.
Reacting to the verdict, the EFCC said it is currently reviewing the court’s decision and has commenced the process of filing an appeal. The commission made this known in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
“Sequel to the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos… acquitting and discharging a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose… the Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal,” the statement read in part.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and said it would brief its legal counsel to pursue the appeal accordingly.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2018, has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the commencement of the trial.
