A Lagos court has acquitted Chief Femi Fani-Kayode in four major criminal cases, marking the end of an 18-year legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, had faced multiple charges ranging from money laundering to forgery, but he secured victory in each case, with the latest acquittal delivered on February 4, 2025.
2008 Aviation Fund Case:
Accused of misappropriating ₦19.5 billion from the Aviation Intervention Fund.
Trial spanned 2008 to 2015 before Justice Ahmad, Justice Binta Nyarko, and Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.
Acquitted on July 1, 2016 by Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia.
2016 Presidential Campaign Fund Case:
Accused of embezzling ₦8 billion to fund Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election campaign.
Case lasted 2016 to 2023, heard by Justices M.S. Hassan, Aikawa, and Oziagor.
Acquitted on April 21, 2023, by the Court of Appeal.
2016 National Security Adviser Fund Case:
Accused of illegally accepting ₦26 million from Col. Sambo Dasuki’s office.
Trial lasted 2016 to 2025, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Tsoho.
Acquitted on January 15, 2025.
2021 Forged Medical Certificate Case:
EFCC accused him of forging medical certificates to delay court proceedings.
Case ran from 2021 to 2025, heard by Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.
Acquitted on February 4, 2025.
Fani-Kayode’s series of acquittals mark a significant legal victory, bringing an end to nearly two decades of legal proceedings.
