The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos that discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose of alleged money laundering and theft.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, also cleared Fayose’s company, Spotless Investment Limited, of the 11-count charge brought against them by the anti-graft agency. The charges, originally filed in 2019, accused Fayose of laundering N6.9 billion.

Reacting to the verdict, the EFCC, in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said it is dissatisfied with the judgment and has begun the process of challenging it at the Court of Appeal.

“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 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 statement said.

“The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment.”
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State in two non-consecutive terms (2003–2007 and 2014–2018), has consistently denied the allegations, claiming the charges were politically motivated.