Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has expressed immense joy and relief after being acquitted and discharged by the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing an end to an 18-year-long legal battle.
Fani-Kayode, who was facing a 12-count charge of alleged forgery brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was cleared of all allegations after Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.
“Justice Has Prevailed” – Fani-Kayode Celebrates Freedom
Speaking to journalists after the court’s verdict, Fani-Kayode could not hide his excitement, stating that the victory marked the end of nearly two decades of being in and out of court.
“I have been through fire and back for 18 years, facing one court case after another. Today, I stand before you as a free man. Justice has prevailed, and I am deeply grateful to God, my legal team, and my loved ones who stood by me through this battle,“ he said.
The former minister was accused of using forged medical reports in an attempt to delay his ongoing trial for an alleged N4.9 billion fraud before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos. However, in ruling on the no-case submission filed by Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Norrison Quakers (SAN), the court found no direct evidence linking him to the alleged forgery.
Court Rules Fani-Kayode Has No Case to Answer
Justice Abike-Fadipe upheld the defense’s argument that the EFCC failed to present any witnesses who could prove that Fani-Kayode personally instructed the forgery or benefited from it. The judge noted that extrajudicial statements alone could not be used as evidence to convict the defendant.
“I have carefully studied the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, and I cannot find where the defendant committed the offenses being alleged. The prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case that would require the defendant to open his defense,“ the judge ruled before acquitting and discharging him.
An End to Years of Courtroom Battles
Fani Kayode’s legal troubles date back to 2008, and he has been embroiled in several court cases, including allegations of corruption, fraud, and forgery. Despite multiple trials and accusations, he has consistently maintained his innocence.
After years of navigating Nigeria’s complex legal system, Monday’s verdict marks a major victory for the former minister, who now hopes to move forward without the weight of legal battles on his shoulders.
“This is a new chapter for me. The truth has finally set me free, and I can now focus on my life without this burden hanging over me,” Fani-Kayode declared.
With the EFCC’s case against him dismissed, the former minister can now breathe a sigh of relief, closing the book on nearly two decades of courtroom battles.
