A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed July 10, 2025, to deliver ruling on a no-case submission filed by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who is facing trial for alleged money laundering and fraud amounting to N6.9 billion.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke reserved the ruling after hearing arguments from both prosecution and defense counsel on Monday. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had re-arraigned Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, on an 11-count charge related to transactions allegedly conducted during his tenure as governor.

According to the EFCC, former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, allegedly withdrew and delivered approximately N2.2 billion from a company called Sylvan Mcnamara. The anti-graft agency claims these funds were diverted to benefit Fayose during the 2014 Ekiti governorship election, despite the company failing to execute jobs approved by then-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, representing Fayose, argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his client. He noted that Abiodun Agbele, who allegedly played a central role in the transactions, was not charged alongside Fayose, which he claimed significantly weakened the EFCC's case.

"With due respect, the predicate offences do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct offences, and no co-conspirator was charged," Agabi submitted, urging the court to rule that Fayose has no case to answer.

Counsel to the second defendant, Olalekan Ojo, presented a separate no-case submission, arguing that key prosecution evidence was unreliable. He particularly highlighted testimony from Obanikoro, who confirmed there was no communication between Fayose and Dasuki.

However, prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs urged the court to dismiss the no-case submissions. He questioned why Fayose would not use his personal bank account for transfers if the funds from the NSA were legitimate. Jacobs cited testimony from EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, who claimed Fayose used associates to acquire properties in Abuja, Lagos, and abroad – individuals who later denied ownership despite Fayose's admission that the properties belonged to him.

Following the conclusion of arguments, Justice Aneke granted Fayose permission to travel abroad for medical treatment before adjourning the matter to July 10 for ruling on the no-case submission.

Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun before the case was reassigned to Justice Aneke.