The scheduled ruling on the no-case submission filed by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, was stalled on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
Justice Aneke was expected to deliver a ruling on whether Fayose and his co-defendant, Spotless Investment Limited, had a case to answer in the N6.9 billion money laundering trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, court officials disclosed that the judge had received an official emergency call that required his immediate attention.
Fayose and his company are facing an 11-count charge bordering on stealing and money laundering. He was first arraigned on October 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun and later re-arraigned on July 2, 2019, before Justice Aneke.
At the last hearing on May 19, 2025, Fayose’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, urged the court to uphold the no-case submission dated May 16.
He argued that the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case, noting that a key figure in the alleged transactions, Abiodun Agbele, was not charged alongside the former governor.
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“The predicate offences do not hold water,” Agabi argued, stressing that conspiracy and criminal breach of trust are distinct offences and that no alleged co-conspirator had been arraigned with Fayose.
Similarly, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, counsel to Spotless Investment Limited, aligned with Agabi’s position and adopted the no-case submission.
However, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, countered, urging Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, firmly rejected the defense’s motion, emphasizing the need for further scrutiny of the questionable financial dealings. He pointed out discrepancies in the explanations provided by the defense regarding the transactions in question, casting doubt on their legitimacy. Jacobs also raised a pertinent question about the absence of the utilization of Fayose’s personal account for these transactions. the court to dismiss the application. He maintained that the defence had failed to adequately explain several suspicious financial transactions, and questioned why Fayose did not use his personal account if the transactions were legitimate.
Jacobs also cited testimony from EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, who alleged that Fayose used associates to acquire properties locally and abroad, individuals who later disclaimed ownership, despite Fayose claiming the properties as his.
He also pointed to testimony from former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, who said Fayose personally requested the funds in cash and introduced Agbele to manage the delivery.
Justice Aneke had adjourned for ruling on July 10. A new date for the ruling is now expected to be announced.
