The Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose of money laundering and theft charges totaling ₦6.9 billion.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the case, upheld a no-case submission filed by Fayose’s legal team, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to establish a prima facie case or link him directly to the alleged offences.

Originally arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, the case was later reassigned to Justice Aneke at the EFCC’s request.

The anti-graft agency had accused Fayose of receiving ₦1.2 billion for his 2014 governorship campaign and accepting $5 million in cash from then Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, without passing through a financial institution. He was also alleged to have laundered over ₦1.6 billion through companies such as De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd to acquire properties.

Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, were re-arraigned on 11 counts of money laundering and theft, with the alleged crimes said to have been committed during his time in office, involving funds reportedly traced to the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Defending the former governor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Kanu Agabi argued that the EFCC failed to substantiate its claims and noted that key figures allegedly involved, including Abiodun Agbele, were not charged.

“The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water. Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct, and no co-conspirator was charged alongside the defendant,” Agabi stated.

Agreeing with the argument, Justice Aneke ruled in favour of the no-case submission and discharged Fayose.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for assaults on officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), warning that anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law.

Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu gave the warning on Tuesday at the Second Lagos Traffic Conference, held in celebration of LASTMA’s 25th anniversary.

The event, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” marked a key milestone for the agency responsible for managing traffic across the state.

The governor praised the dedication of LASTMA officers who, he said, often operate under dangerous and demanding conditions to maintain road order.

“I want to specially commend the men and women of LASTMA whose unwavering commitment ensures that Lagos keeps moving. Your uniform stands as the thin yellow line between road order and chaos,” he said.

He paid tribute to officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty, calling them heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.

Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu shared his vision of transforming LASTMA into a technology-driven agency. He revealed plans to invest in AI-powered systems, automated number plate recognition, and drone surveillance to improve traffic flow and incident response across Lagos.

“These innovations will enhance our ability to monitor real-time traffic, ease congestion, and strengthen enforcement,” he said.

The Patriots all-inclusive constitutional conference with the primary goal of producing a draft of a new constitution for the country begins today at 10:00 a.m. in Abuja.

Initially scheduled to commence on Tuesday, the organizers shifted it to Wednesday as a mark of honour for former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, both of whom died on Sunday.
Awujale was buried on Monday while Buhari’s Tuesday.

The conference taking place at Transcorp Hilltop Hotel, is being convened in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG).

A former Secretary- General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and other prominent Nigerians are participating in the three-day conference that is also meant to reposition constitutional democracy in the country.