In the ongoing trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose for ₦6.9 billion in fraud and money laundering, a prosecution witness, Abubakar Madaki, told a Federal High Court in Lagos that Fayose did not personally conduct any of the financial transactions related to the charges. This evidence emerged during cross-examination, where Madaki, an EFCC Investigating Officer, confirmed that his investigation was based on facts provided by others who witnessed or participated in the transactions.
Fayose, initially arraigned in October 2018, faces charges brought by the EFCC. He has consistently pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The trial, now before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, resumed with Madaki continuing his testimony.
During cross-examination, the defense highlighted that Fayose did not personally handle any relevant transactions and that the witness based his findings on third-party accounts and recovered documents. The defense also questioned the absence of direct evidence linking Fayose to the receipt of funds from Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro or any document acknowledging such receipts.
The prosecution alleged that funds meant for Fayose’s gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti were transferred in a manner designed to disguise their source, with cash transactions avoiding institutional records. The trial is set to continue on July 19, as the defense challenges the evidence and the prosecution seeks to substantiate its claims of financial misconduct.