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EFCC TO APPEAL COURT’S ACQUITTAL OF EX-EKITI GOVERNOR FAYOSE

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the Federal High Court’s ruling that acquitted former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, of money laundering charges. The judgment was delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 16, 2025, clearing Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge related to the alleged theft of N6.9 billion. The EFCC stated it is currently reviewing the judgment and preparing to file an appeal. In a statement from its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law. Fayose, who served as governor from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2018, has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the charges. The charges were originally filed on July 2, 2019. The EFCC’s decision to appeal the ruling indicates its determination to pursue the case further. The commission’s statement did not provide further details on the grounds for the appeal, but it suggests that the EFCC believes the court’s decision may have been flawed in some way. The case has been ongoing for several years, and Fayose’s acquittal marks a significant development in the high-profile case. However, with the EFCC’s intention to appeal, the matter is far from over.

LANDMARK RULING: FEDERAL HIGH COURT ORDERS EFCC TO APOLOGIZE TO JULIUS OKEDELE FOR WRONGFUL INCLUSION IN FINANCIAL FRAUD CASE

In a groundbreaking judgment, the Federal High Court in Warri has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a public apology to Mr. Julius Oluwafunmisho Okedele for wrongly including his name in a financial fraud case. The court’s decision stems from a case filed in 2019, where the EFCC accused Akegor Godbless Omamuyovwi and two other individuals of cybercrime and internet fraud. Although Mr. Okedele, a bureau de change operator, had conducted foreign exchange transactions with Omamuyovwi between 2018 and 2019, these dealings had no connection to cybercrime. Despite cooperating with the EFCC and providing evidence that exonerated him, the agency continued to list him as a fugitive, severely damaging his reputation and leading to public defamation and personal losses. The court’s ruling on January 31, 2025, declared that Mr. Okedele’s right to a fair hearing had been violated. The judge struck his name from the charge sheet and ordered the EFCC to issue a public apology in a major national newspaper within 10 days. The agency must also provide proof of the publication to the court. This landmark ruling highlights the importance of upholding individual rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate with integrity and transparency. As Mr. Okedele’s reputation has been severely damaged, the court’s decision serves as a crucial step towards restoring his good name.