Alleged 6.9bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Fayose’s Trial

Ayodele Fayose

The N6.9 billion fraud lawsuit against former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose has been adjourned by a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, to Dec 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

The case, which was listed in the cause list for the continuation of trial on Monday, was called at about 11.40 am, as parties were awaiting one of the defence counsel.

When the case was eventually called, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court, that having waited until almost noon, it will be better to grant an adjournment, to enable parties to come back and face the trial.

Although first defence counsel, Mr Ola Olanipekun, SAN, had urged the prosecution to begin the examination of its witness, who was already present in court. The case was, however, adjourned at the instance of the prosecution.

The judge had urged parties to take new dates within the year, especially as no progress had been made in the matter since resumption.

Following agreement of parties, the case was consequently, adjourned until Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 respectively for the continuation of trial.

Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

The defendant was subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.