A Lagos State Special Offences Court has dismissed the forgery charges filed against former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruled that the anti-graft agency failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claims.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, in her judgment, stated that the EFCC did not establish a prima facie case against Fani-Kayode. The agency had accused him of forging a medical report to evade trial in a separate money laundering case but was unable to prove the allegation.
The EFCC initially arraigned Fani-Kayode on December 14, 2021, claiming that he procured Dr. Ogieva Oziegbe to issue a falsified medical report, which was presented in court. The prosecution called seven witnesses and submitted documents in an attempt to substantiate the charge.
However, Fani-Kayode’s defense team, led by Wale Balogun (SAN), argued that the evidence presented was insufficient. They filed a no-case submission, asserting that the EFCC failed to present key witnesses, including individuals who allegedly acted on behalf of the defendant.
Justice Abike-Fadipe agreed with the defense, ruling that the prosecution’s evidence was weak and inconclusive. She noted that statements presented in court could not be used as substantive proof, leading to Fani-Kayode’s acquittal.
