In a significant legal victory for former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday acquitted him of all charges related to the alleged forgery of a medical report. The case, which had attracted widespread attention, ended with a resounding win for Fani-Kayode, as the judge ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.
The case began in November 2021 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed charges against Fani-Kayode, accusing him of forging medical documents to deceive the public. The EFCC had alleged that the former minister procured fraudulent medical reports, which he allegedly used to mislead authorities and justify his health status. The charge sheet included 12 counts of forgery, fabricating evidence, and using false documents.
Fani-Kayode, who consistently denied the charges, maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His defense team filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to warrant his defense.
In delivering her judgment, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe sided with the defense, stating that the prosecution’s evidence was inadequate and that no connection had been established between Fani-Kayode and the crimes alleged. She pointed out several gaps in the case, including the absence of key witnesses who could have linked the defendant to the forged documents.
“The prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case,” Justice Abike-Fadipe declared, emphasizing that there was no clear evidence to suggest that Fani-Kayode had committed any of the alleged offences. She added, “I have carefully examined the evidence presented, and I cannot find any grounds to continue with this case.”
The judge further noted that the prosecution had not produced crucial witnesses who were supposed to support their allegations. This included the individuals who, according to the EFCC, had allegedly received money from Fani-Kayode in connection with the forged documents. Additionally, the lawyer who purportedly assisted Fani-Kayode in submitting the fake medical reports to the Federal High Court was not called to testify.
Justice Abike-Fadipe also criticized the use of extrajudicial statements, which the prosecution had hoped to rely on as evidence. She clarified that such statements could only be used to challenge the testimony of a person who had made them, provided that person testified in court. Without their testimony, these statements lacked the necessary legal weight to support the case.
The courtroom erupted in quiet applause as the judge declared Fani-Kayode free of all charges, and the former aviation minister visibly exhaled with relief. In her ruling, Justice Abike-Fadipe stated that Fani-Kayode was “discharged and acquitted” of the allegations, reinforcing the point that the prosecution had failed to meet its burden of proof.
After the verdict, Fani-Kayode’s legal team expressed gratitude for the judgment. His lawyer, who requested anonymity, spoke to reporters outside the courthouse, saying, “We are pleased that justice has prevailed. Our client has always maintained his innocence, and today, the court has reaffirmed that position.”
The EFCC, which had initially filed the charges in an attempt to hold Fani-Kayode accountable for his alleged role in forging medical documents, has yet to comment on the outcome of the trial. However, legal experts believe that the ruling could signal a setback for the commission, particularly given the dismissal of the case without the need for the defense to present evidence.
The former aviation minister had been under intense scrutiny for his alleged actions in relation to the medical reports, with the EFCC claiming that the documents were fabricated as part of a broader effort to mislead the public and gain favorable treatment from government officials. The charges included accusations of using false medical documents to justify his health status in the face of ongoing investigations into his financial dealings.
Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Fani-Kayode’s defense team maintained that the charges were politically motivated and that there had been a concerted effort to tarnish his reputation. In his defense, Fani-Kayode had repeatedly argued that the charges were baseless and driven by ulterior motives, not legal considerations.
“This is a victory for truth,” Fani-Kayode said in a statement following the ruling. “I have always maintained my innocence, and today the court has confirmed that the accusations against me were entirely without merit. This case was never about the truth; it was about using the law to score political points. I am grateful to my legal team, the court, and all those who believed in my innocence.”
The case brought attention not only to the actions of Fani-Kayode but also to the role of the EFCC in pursuing high-profile individuals with alleged ties to corruption. Legal analysts have argued that the EFCC’s failure to secure a conviction in this case may reflect broader challenges the commission faces in proving complex charges, especially when key evidence is lacking.
The ruling is expected to have political ramifications, with critics of Fani-Kayode likely to question the credibility of the justice system, while his supporters will see it as a confirmation of his innocence. It also raises questions about the accountability of government agencies in prosecuting cases that involve prominent figures in Nigerian politics.
Fani-Kayode’s acquittal marks a pivotal moment in his legal and political journey, which has been filled with controversies and legal battles. However, for now, he can celebrate this hard-won legal victory, which has provided a clear legal vindication after months of trial and uncertainty.
The former minister’s next steps remain unclear, but this court ruling undoubtedly paves the way for Fani-Kayode to reclaim his place in Nigeria’s political landscape, at least for the time being. As he continues to deal with other legal matters, Tuesday’s acquittal serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics and the legal battles that often accompany it.
As the nation watches, this case may well set a precedent for future legal proceedings involving high-profile public figures in Nigeria.
