By SAM POPOOLA, Lagos
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, this morning set free former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose from an 11-count charge of money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn, ruling that he has no case to answer.
Elated Fayose who burst into tears, after leaving the courtroom, rolled on ground with praises for God and his team of lawyers led by Olaleka Ojo, SAN, said God has finally let him off the hook of criminal trial after seven years.
The EFCC had, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, re-arraigned Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn. The defendants had first been arraigned on October 22, 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.
Discharging Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited, 2nd defendant, Justice Aneke upheld no case submission of Fayose lawyer on the grounds that the predicate offences on which the charges were based did not hold water.
The judge further ruled that criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.
According to the judge the evidence of prosecution witnesses were not reliable and were not sufficient evidence to call Fayose to trial, adding that they had no document to back their claims.
The judge also held that one of the witnesses, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro who claimed to have paid Fayose from party money lacked credibility.
"There wss no doubt he was paid, but where does the money come from. No one will rely on Diamond Bank staff who did not produce any link to prove his claim I am bound to hold that there is no prove. Alleged charges must be proved beyond any reasonable charge".
The judge further ruled that on Access declaration charge, as at the time of arraignment of Fayose, he was an ordinary citizen and cannot be held responsible for failure to declare his access as it is mandatory for public officers.
"No case submission succeed. The 1st and 2nd Defendants are hereby discharged
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