Court Clears Fani-Kayode Of Forgery Charges

By SHALOM IMAFIDON

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has acquitted former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, of a forgery charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering the ruling yesterday, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe stated that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant. The judge further noted that the prosecution was unable to directly connect Fani-Kayode to the alleged offenses.

The court also pointed out that key witnesses, including associates of the defendant who were supposedly recipients of funds from him, were not presented. Additionally, the lawyer who allegedly claimed that Fani-Kayode had instructed his law firm to file the disputed medical reports with the Federal High Court was absent. Justice Abike-Fadipe emphasized that extrajudicial statements, which were intended to serve as evidence, could only be used to contradict the maker of the statement during cross-examination.

“I have reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution and found no direct link to the offenses being alleged. The prosecution has failed to present a case that necessitates the defendant to provide a defense,” the judge stated.

On the issue of costs, the court noted that the defendant was free to pursue an action report privately. As a result, Fani-Kayode was discharged and acquitted of all charges.

Fani-Kayode had been arraigned by the EFCC on November 11, 2021, on 12 counts related to allegations of falsifying documents, fabricating evidence, and using false documents. However, on December 7, 2024, he filed a no-case submission, urging the court to dismiss the case on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to substantiate the charges against him.

In another related case, on January 15, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja also cleared Fani-Kayode of a three-count money laundering charge. Justice John Tsoho ruled that the EFCC had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the money laundering allegations against him.