An Ikeja Special Offences Court, presided over by Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, on Tuesday discharged and acquitted former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, of charges of medical forgery brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Abike-Fadipe ruled on a no-case submission filed by Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Wale Balogun (SAN), stating that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.
The judge emphasized that the prosecution could not link Fani-Kayode to the alleged offences. She also pointed out that key witnesses, including individuals who were said to have collected money from him or the lawyer allegedly instructed to submit medical reports to the Federal High Court, were not presented.
Justice Abike-Fadipe further ruled that the extra-judicial statements intended as evidence could only be used to contradict the person who made them when they testify in court.
“I have carefully studied the evidence and found no proof that the defendant committed the alleged offences,” the judge said, noting that the prosecution had failed to establish a case that would require Fani-Kayode to present a defence.
The EFCC had charged Fani-Kayode in November 2021 with 12 counts, including procuring and executing false documents, using fabricated evidence, and related offences. The prosecution had called seven witnesses, but Fani-Kayode’s defence successfully argued that the case lacked sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
Following the ruling, the court discharged and acquitted Fani-Kayode of all charges.
