Fayose’s alleged fraud trial stalled

Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose

A Federal High Court in Lagos could not continue the trial of a former governor of Ekiti, Ayo Fayose, on Wednesday for alleged money laundering following a mix-up in date.

The matter will now be adjourned to a new date as will be agreed by respective parties.

Fayose is accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Ccomission (EFCC) of fraud and laundering N6.9bn.

He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, 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was however, subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.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 on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.