The ongoing trial of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, over alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering, faced a setback on Friday due to the absence of the prosecution witness, Aliyu Madaki. Consequently, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ordered the prosecution to ensure the witness’s presence in court on March 22, leading to a further adjournment.
Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside a company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts related to N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering offenses. The trial, which began in 2018, has witnessed multiple adjournments and legal proceedings.
During Friday’s proceedings, the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that the witness, Aliyu Madaki, was unable to attend due to being held up in Jos. Madaki, who is no longer an EFCC staff, currently resides in Nasarawa. The prosecution proposed March 28 as an alternative date, but defense counsel expressed dissatisfaction.
Defense counsel argued that they had disengaged from other commitments to attend the trial and were displeased with the late notification of the witness’s absence. The judge, Justice Aneke, subsequently fixed March 22 for cross-examination and ordered the prosecutor to ensure the witness’s presence on that date. Additional trial dates of April 25 and 26 were maintained.
Fayose faces allegations of fraudulently receiving funds for his gubernatorial election campaign, accepting cash payments without going through financial institutions, and acquiring properties with crime proceeds. The charges contravene provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. The trial has witnessed multiple re-arraignments and continues to unfold in the Lagos High Court.