Fayose Re-arraigned Over Alleged Money Laundering

Former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the allegation of money laundering.

Naija News reports that Fayose and his company, Spotless Limited were re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday.

EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that a newly amended charge had been filed and he sought the court’s permission to re-arraign Fayose and his company.

According to the EFCC, the two defendants were re-arraigned based on an amended charge bordering on money laundering and non-declaration of assets.

The amended charge which was filed by the anti-graft agency on November 25, 2021, accused Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele of taking possession of N1.219 billion to fund Fayose’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti State on June 17, 2014.

The EFCC also accused the two defendants of committing criminal breach of trust, theft, and stealing of public funds.

According to the charge, the offences are contrary to sections 15(2)(d), 1 and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended, and punishable under section 15(3)(4), 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

Fayose denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all the 11 counts after which they were allowed to continue with the previously granted bail terms.

However, Fayose’s trial will continue on Friday before Justice Aneke, as the EFCC will be calling 12 witnesses to testify against him.