FEMI FANI-KAYODE WINS CRIMINAL COURT CASE AGAINST EFCC
Prominent Nigerian politician and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has once again emerged victorious in his long-running legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On 4th February 2025, the Lagos State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, discharged and acquitted him of all charges, concluding the latest chapter in a series of four major criminal cases that have spanned over 18 years.
Fani-Kayode’s legal saga dates back to 2008, when the EFCC first brought criminal charges against him. Over the years, the case has involved numerous courts and judges, with the charges repeatedly failing to stand up to scrutiny.
The first case, which began in 2008, was heard at the Federal High Court in Lagos under the leadership of Hon. Justice Ahmad, followed by Hon. Justice Binta Nyarku, and finally, Hon. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia. Despite the prolonged trial, Fani-Kayode was discharged and acquitted on 1st July 2015, after the court found no merit in the charges leveled against him.
However, this was not the end of his legal battles. Between 2016 and 2023, Fani-Kayode faced a fresh round of charges from the EFCC, again at the Federal High Court in Lagos. This time, the case was overseen by Hon. Justices M.S. Hassan, Aikawa, and Oziagor. In a dramatic turn of events, the charges against him were quashed by the Court of Appeal in Lagos on 21st April 2023, marking yet another victory for the embattled politician.
As though these victories weren’t enough, Fani-Kayode was once again dragged into court, this time at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he faced further charges from 2016 until 2025. The trial, which was presided over by Hon. Justice Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, lasted several years and included multiple delays and procedural hurdles. On 15th January 2025, however, Fani-Kayode was once again discharged of all charges, further reinforcing his reputation as a resilient and determined figure in Nigerian politics.
#femifanikayode #court #justice #EFCC
