The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed the acquittal of Abiodun Agbele, an aide of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and three others in a N1.219 billion money laundering case. The Federal High Court, Abuja, had cleared Agbele, Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, De Privateer Limited, and Spotless Investment Limited of the charges.
The EFCC, represented by prosecuting counsel Wahab Shittu (SAN), is seeking an order from the Court of Appeal to overturn Justice Nnamdi Dimgba’s ruling. The commission wants the court to hold that the first, third, and fourth respondents have a case to answer on multiple counts of the amended charge.
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The commission's dissatisfaction with the June 21 ruling is based on 17 grounds of appeal. It argues that there is overwhelming evidence showing that N1.219 billion, earmarked for security purposes by the National Security Adviser (NSA), was unlawfully diverted to fund Fayose’s governorship electiosn. The EFCC contends that the trial court erred in dismissing the charges despite substantial oral and documentary evidence.
The EFCC seeks a directive for the respondents to enter their defense on the listed counts, maintaining that the evidence presented supports the allegations of unlawful retention, transfer, and possession of funds.
