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Tag: Ayodele Fayose

  • Ex-Gov Fayose’s trial further adjourned

    Ex-Gov Fayose’s trial further adjourned

    Money laundering trial of a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, could not proceed on Wednesday before a federal high court in Lagos, as the court did not sit.

    The  Judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, is said to be away on an official assignment.

    The case has been adjourned until March 8 for continuation of trial,

    Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N6.9 billion fraud and money laundering.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun.

    He was arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd., on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.

    Fayose, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendants were, however, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Olatoregun following a petition by EFCC.

    Fayose equally pleaded not guilty before Aneke, who allowed him to continue on the bail granted him by Olatoregun.

    EFCC has since opened its case before Aneke and is leading witnesses in evidence.

    According to the commission, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele took possession of N1.2 billion for the purpose of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.

    The commission alleged that the sum formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose is also alleged to have received a cash payment of five million dollars from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    EFCC also alleged that the former governor retained N300 million in his bank account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which formed part of crime proceeds.

    It added that Fayose procured De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd. to retain aggregate sums of N851 million which formed part of crime proceeds.

    The commission also accused Fayose of using about N1.6 billion crime proceeds to acquire property in Lagos and Abuja.

    The former governor also allegedly used N200 million crime proceeds to acquire a property in Abuja in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji.

    The alleged offences contravene Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d) and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

  • Fayose hails president Tinubu over UAE lifting of travel ban on Nigerian travellers

    Fayose hails president Tinubu over UAE lifting of travel ban on Nigerian travellers

    The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the lifting of travel ban on Nigeria travellers by the UAE government.

    The Ekiti born politician described the devlopment as  heart-warming and very pleasing to the heart.

    The TheNewsGuru.com  reports that presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers.

    “Resolution of the diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE is no doubt heart-warming,” he wrote on X.

    Fayose noted that allowing a diplomatic row that resulted in the imposition of visa ban on Nigerians and suspension of flights to Nigeria by Emirates, since October 2022, is no doubt a sour taste in the mouths of many Nigerians whose businesses are tied to the UAE.

    “Therefore, resolving such a diplomatic deadlock in just one visit to the UAE shows that President Tinubu has come to renew the hopes of Nigerians,” he said.

  • Why I’m happy about Gabon recent coup – Fayose

    Why I’m happy about Gabon recent coup – Fayose

    Ayodele Fayose，former governor of Ekiti State, has expressed his excitement about the recent coup that happened in Gabon.

    Recall that a coup happened in Gabon as a group of senior military officers took over the government on Wednesday.

    The announcement came after President Ali Bongo, 64, was re-elected for a third term, extending his family’s half-century rule over the oil-rich Central African country of 2.3 million, but the opposition described the poll as a ‘fraud orchestrated’ by the ruling party.

    Fayose while speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, Fayose said he does not endorse military intervention in politics, adding that the recent surge of coups in Africa is a mark of the sit-tight syndrome.

    “We have our flaws but you can see the uninterrupted democratic process. After four years there will be an election… Nigeria has gone from one party to another party.

    “One person to another person within a space of time. But in a country where one man is spending 30, 40 years. You have to boot him out of the place in whatever way.

    “That’s different from the Nigerian setting. Nigeria has submitted but we are not there yet in the final order.”

     

  • Trial of ex-Governor Fayose to resume July 14

    Trial of ex-Governor Fayose to resume July 14

    The money laundering trial of a former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, before a Federal High Court in Lagos is to continue on July 14.

    The trial which was earlier fixed for continuation on July 13 and July 14 could not proceed, following the absence of the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs.

    In the absence of the prosecutor, the trial would consequently, continue on Friday.

    Fayose is standing trial on allegations of money laundering and he is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    On June 6, the 12th prosecution witness, a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, presented his evidence before the court.

    Obanikoro, who began his evidence on Jan. 31, concluded same after cross- examination by the defence.

    Among other testimonies, the witness had told the court that he had no documentary evidence to show that he gave money to Fayose.

    Fayose was first arraigned on Oct. 22, 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun.

    He was charged alongside his company, Spotless Investments Ltd. on 11-count charge, bordering on money laundering offences.

    Fayose had, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018 in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendant, was however, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019 after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and was still leading witnesses in evidence.

    In December 2021, the EFCC had called its 11th witness, one Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, bought properties worth several millions.

    During the trial before Justice Olatoregun, the prosecution also called witnesses from several commercial banks as well as Obanikoro.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele, were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and also took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million, which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd. and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offences contravene the provisions of Sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

  • Presidency: Ex-Gov Fayose admits working against Atiku

    Presidency: Ex-Gov Fayose admits working against Atiku

    Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose has admitted he worked against Mr Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Fayose to have said he worked 100 per cent against Atiku, who lost the February 25, 2023 presidential election to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The former Governor of Ekiti State, who is a chieftain of the PDP, revealed the party has not been fair to him. Hence, he worked for the victory of the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “I never worked for PDP during the last election. I cannot work for two people at the same time. The reality is that I worked for Asiwaju (Tinubu). He is a respectable person from the South-West. It is the time of the South,” Fayose said on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics programme.

    He argued that his party played games with Nigerians by giving its presidential ticket to Atiku, an ex-Vice President who is from Adamawa State in North-East Nigeria.

    He said with the expiration of the two-term tenure of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also from the North, a Southern Nigerian should be the next President of the country.

    He vowed to sue the PDP if the party takes disciplinary actions against him for supporting Tinubu in the last elections.

    “The same PDP, because I said it was the turn of the South, removed my son, suspended my son, expelled my son, suspended me. For a man that has suffered tremendously for PDP?

    “If PDP takes action against me, I will take them to court. If anybody suppresses my voice, I will say things more than this,” Fayose said.

    The ex-Governor of Ekiti State said he will be disappointed if President Tinubu does not “appreciate” the G5 for supporting his presidential ambition.

    Fayose stressed ex-Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has what it takes to be a Minister and “must serve” in the Tinubu’s government.

    He said the G5 has no intention of crossing over from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but maintained that the PDP leadership must put its house in order.

    “I don’t want to be Minister but if Asiwaju (Tinubu) says ‘Fayose, you will be minister’ and I agree, what is their headache?

    “I want Wike to be in the cabinet. Wike has what it takes to serve Nigeria. Wike is an articulate, capable person. Nigeria needs (an) average bad person. I support Wike. If Asiwaju finds him or any of the G5 worthy, please serve in Asiwaju’s government.

    “I will be disappointed if Asiwaju does not equally appreciate them for what they stand to represent. Wike must serve. Wike is still a young man. I’m his senior brother, he can’t deny that.

    “Wike is an asset to Nigeria. Wike is never timid, he confronts challenges. Asiwaju needs a man like Wike,” Fayose said.

  • I wish Emefiele well on his new appointment in detention – Fayose

    I wish Emefiele well on his new appointment in detention – Fayose

    Former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose says he wishes the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, well in his new appointment in detention.

    The former governor said Emefiele’s arrest by the Department of State Service should also serve as a lesson for those who don’t remember to be careful when being used.

    The DSS in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed the arrest of  Emefiele.

    The CBN governor had earlier been suspended on Friday evening by President Bola Tinubu. His arrest followed his suspension.

    Reacting to Emefiele’s  arrest on Saturday, Fayose said Emefiele’s ordeal will  serve as deterrent for those who don’t remember that power is transient.

    Speaking to FTN, he said, “This is a lesson for those who don’t remember to be careful when being used.

    “Today he is on his own. How can a governor of the CBN be contesting for president. He was deceived to go for an ambition and didn’t know when to stop.

    ”It is a rare privilege  to be Nigerias CBN’s governor. Instead of appreciating God, he allows himself to be used.

    “Without doubt, I knew a day like this would  come – with consequences.

    “We can only wish him luck on his new appointment in detention.”

    He explained that Emefiele may be ”another Dasuki in the making.” Sambo Dasuki was Nigeria’s National Security Adviser during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He was accused of misappropriating Nigeria’s security funds and spent a long time in detention during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    To him, Emefiele’s ordeal is an appointment  that you can’t know the end. “Dasuki came back,  I pray for him that he survives. Emefiele should take over Dasuki’s room in DSS’  office.

    ”Buhari has set the pace and precedence, we can only wish him luck in this new journey.

    “He should be ready to enjoy his new destination with President Bola Tinubu. We welcome him to this new journey.”

    He said the former CBN governor should be reminded that a lot of people will no longer pick his call. “He is now an orphan. But Dasuki went through it and Heaven did not fall. So, we wish him well.”

    He however said the Tinubu’s administration should ensure that all the money belonging to the state with the former CBN boss is fully recovered.

  • Former Ekiti governor, Fayose reacts to PDP’s suspension

    Former Ekiti governor, Fayose reacts to PDP’s suspension

    Former Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the issue of his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the PDP had through a statement announced the suspension of Fayose, Pius Anyim and other members from the party for alleged anti-party activities .

    In his reaction, Fayose described the move by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC as the ‘last kick of a dead horse’

    According to the former governor, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu would end in matter of days.

    Fayose’s reaction was made public through his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka on Thursday.

    “Ayu and his cohorts are only entertaining themselves with the purported suspension as their latest comedy skit.”

    He said in a matter of days, the inglorious tenure of Ayu as the party’s chairman would become history, stating that PDP and it’s members will enjoy a new lease of life.

    According to Fayose, himself and other party members who stood with the PDP when Ayu and his cohorts left it to die will rescue it again and give life back in due course.

    Recall that since the emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC)’s candidate Bola Tinubu as President-elect, Fayose has been appearing on TV stations castigating the PDP and stating reasons why they lost.

  • Fayose rules out joining APC despite supporting Tinubu

    Fayose rules out joining APC despite supporting Tinubu

    Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has noted that he will never join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) despite supporting them in the last election.

    Fayose made this known while appearing on a political programme on Channels TV on Tuesday.

    Fayose kicked against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after they put forward Atiku Abubakar from northern Nigeria as their presidential candidate.

    He maintained that power should move to the south and hence congratulated Bola Tinubu of the APC after he was declared winner.

    However, Fayose has said he has no plans to join APC.

    “Many people in Nigeria have been confronted with what they have said at different times and they either recant or say something new.

    “I stand here to tell you that I will never be a member of the APC. I am not in politics for what it is anymore. I have been given a fair opportunity to lead Ekiti two times and defeated two incumbents,” Fayose said.

    On his support for Tinubu, he added: “I have no apology for my actions now and in the future. I have not hidden my respect for Bola Asiwaju.”

  • NJC reinstates Ekiti judge, Justice Aladejana after 16 years of suspension

    NJC reinstates Ekiti judge, Justice Aladejana after 16 years of suspension

    After 16 years of suspension by the National Judicial Council, NJC, Justice Babajide Aladejana of Ekiti State High Court has been reinstated to office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Aladejana was suspended from office in 2006 with the state’s former Chief Judge, Justice Kayode Bamisile, under the administration of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.

    The duo were suspended for their alleged roles in the political crisis that led to the impeachment of the former Governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose on October 16, 2006, over an alleged N1.4 billion poultry scandal, abuse of office and illegal operation of a foreign account.

    However, Aladejana officially resumed work on Tuesday, as it was gathered that the lift of his suspension followed the review of the NJC.

    He was subsequently allocated High Court number two where he would be hearing cases and performing other judicial functions.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) is an executive body established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to protect the Judiciary of Nigeria from the whims and caprices of the Executive.

    The Chairman of Council is the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Olukayode Ariwoola, while the deputy chairman is Hon Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, justice of the Supreme Court.

    Other members are: The President of the Court of Appeal, four retired Justices of the Supreme Court, a retired President of the Court of Appeal, President of National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court FCT, Chief Judges of High Court of four states, President of Customary Court of Appeal, Grand Khadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, three members of the Nigeria Bar Association, and two retired Public Servant.

  • 2023 Elections: I regret supporting Atiku Abubakar – Fayose

    2023 Elections: I regret supporting Atiku Abubakar – Fayose

    Isaac the brother of former Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose has expressed regret that he supported the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Atiku Abubakar in 2019 general elections in the country.

    In a Facebook post, Fayose said Atiku and the cabals around the seat of power are making Nigerians suffer.

    “With the way Atiku Abubakar and his goons in PDP in connivance with the wannabe cabals are trying to wrestle power from the present government in a foul way, making the people suffer for what is not, I make bold to say that I regretted backing him in 2019, ever knew he’s this d*vilish,” Fayose wrote.

    Recall that his brother, Ayodele has refused to align with Atiku and his team but also didn’t join forces with Wike and his G-5 team.

    Speculations are rife that the former Ekiti state governor is supporting the candidacy of the All Progressive Congress flagbearer,  Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 general elections in the country.