The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is not satisfied with the judgement that discharged and acquitted a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose from an alleged money laundering case.

It, however, vowed that it would challenge the judgement at the Appeal Court, saying it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal on the case at a higher court.

Daily Trust had reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday discharged and acquitted Fayose on the basis that the anti-graft agency lacked required evidence to link him with money laundering.

Specifically, the EFCC originally filed the charges on July 2, 2019 against Fayose and alleged money laundering and theft of N6.9bn from the State’s coffer.

But in the ruling, delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, the court cleared Fayose and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, of an 11-count charge brought against them by the anti-graft agency.

Reacting through its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, via a statement, the EFCC said it has already briefed its counsels about the ruling, and that the commission would remain committed to the rule of law.

“Sequel to the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, acquitting and discharging a former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, from an alleged money laundering case preferred against him by the EFCC, the commission wishes to state that it is already studying the ruling and preparing for an appeal.

“The former governor was re-arraigned on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, alongside Spotless Investment Limited on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing to the tune of N6.9bn (Six Billion Nine Hundred Naira).

“The EFCC reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law as it briefs its counsel to appeal the judgment,” the anti-graft agency’s spokesman said in the statement.