ALLEGED MONEY LAUNDERING: JUDGE'S ABSENCE STALLS FAYOSE'S TRIAL

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The trial of the former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, on charges of money laundering has been adjourned by the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, until July 1, 2024. This decision was made due to the absence of the trial Judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who is reportedly on official assignment, as stated by court officials.

Mr. Fayose, along with a company, Spotless Investment Ltd., faces 11 counts of N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Initially arraigned on October 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, the case was later transferred to Justice Aneke following a petition by the EFCC. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges and being granted bail on October 24, 2018, Mr. Fayose’s trial has been ongoing.

The EFCC alleges that Mr. Fayose, along with his aide Abiodun Agbele, unlawfully possessed N1.2 billion to finance his governorship election campaign in Ekiti State in 2014. It is further alleged that he received a cash payment of five million dollars from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without proper financial procedures.

Additionally, Mr. Fayose is accused of retaining significant sums of money in his account and acquiring properties in Lagos and Abuja with funds believed to be proceeds of crime.

The charges against him reportedly contravene various sections of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

Despite the adjournment, the EFCC has been actively presenting its case before the court, calling witnesses to testify against Mr. Fayose.

The tentative date for the next hearing is set for July 1, 2024, pending the availability of the trial Judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.