Nigeria: EFCC alleges Fayose received N1.2 billion to finance 2014 election campaign

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has filed a no-case submission in response to the N6.9 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC alleges that Fayose received N1.2 billion to finance his 2014 election campaign and took $5 million in cash from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, bypassing financial institutions. He was also accused of laundering over N1.6 billion through proxies and companies.

Fayose’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, argued that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor, insisting that the predicate offenses don’t hold water.

Agabi pointed out that Abiodun Agbele, a key figure in the alleged transactions, wasn’t charged alongside Fayose.

Prosecution’s Witneator Musiliu Obanikoro’s credibility was questioned by the defense, highlighting his admission of no direct communication between Fayose and the former National Security Adviser, Col. Samb.

 Prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission, citing suspicious financial transactions and questioning why Fayose didn’t use his personal bank account for the transactions.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission.