The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its intention to appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, which acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, of alleged N6.9 billion fraud charges.

According to a statement released on the anti-graft agency's official X handle on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the Commission is already studying the ruling and preparing grounds for an appeal.

"Sequel to the judgement of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 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, EFCC, the Commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal," the statement read.

The case, which has been ongoing for several years, saw Fayose re-arraigned on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, alongside Spotless Investment Limited on an 11-count charge of money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9 billion.

Justice Aneke's ruling on Wednesday discharged and acquitted Fayose of all charges in the long-running case, bringing a temporary conclusion to the legal battle that has spanned approximately seven years.

Following his acquittal, reports indicate that the former governor celebrated his court victory by eating Amala with bricklayers, a moment that was captured on video and has since circulated on social media platforms.

The EFCC's decision to appeal underscores the agency's commitment to pursuing the case to its logical conclusion, despite the setback at the Federal High Court level.

Legal experts suggest that the appeal process could potentially extend the case further, as the matter may eventually reach the Court of Appeal and possibly the Supreme Court, depending on the outcomes at each judicial level.

The case against Fayose is one of several high-profile corruption cases being pursued by the EFCC against former state governors and public officials in Nigeria, as part of the agency's mandate to combat financial crimes and corruption in the country.

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