PeakNews Online
Lagos, Nigeria — In a significant legal decision, the Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, of alleged money laundering involving N338.8 million.
On Monday, Justice Liman ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to prove its case against Ikuforiji and his former Personal Assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, beyond a reasonable doubt. The ruling effectively clears both men of all charges.
Ikuforiji and Atoyebi were initially arraigned on March 1, 2012, before Justice Okechukwu Okeke, facing 20 counts related to misappropriation and money laundering. The allegations stemmed from their tenure in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In his judgment, Justice Liman emphasized the prosecution’s inability to substantiate the claims against the defendants. “The evidence presented by the EFCC was insufficient to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated.
The acquittal marks the end of a prolonged legal battle that has spanned over a decade. Ikuforiji and Atoyebi have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining their innocence throughout the proceedings.
Reacting to the judgment, Ikuforiji expressed relief and gratitude. “Justice has prevailed today. I have always had faith in the judicial system and am thankful for this verdict,” he said.
The EFCC has not yet commented on the possibility of an appeal or their next steps following the court’s decision.
This case has attracted considerable public and media attention, given Ikuforiji’s prominent political career and the substantial amount involved in the allegations. The ruling is seen as a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within its political system.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, the acquittal of Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Oyebode Atoyebi stands as a notable development in the Nigerian judicial landscape.
