N6.9b Fraud: Fayose’s Trial Adjourned To January 31

The trial of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, for alleged N6.9 billion fraud at the Federal High Court in Lagos has been adjourned to January 31 and Feb. 1.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Fayose for N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

It would be recalled that the trial was to continue on Oct. 26, but due to a mix up in the date, it could not and a new trial date was to be agreed on by parties and fixed by the court.

Fayose 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.

The former governor pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in N50 million with sureties in like sum.

Again he was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, because the EFCC petition caused the case to be withdrawn. from Justice Olatoregun.

Aagin, Fayose pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted.

The case was adjourned for trial as the commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke.

In December 2021, EFCC had called its 11th witness, one Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, bought properties worth several millions.

Trial will now continue on Jan. 31, 2023.