By Abigail Philip David
A Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja has acquitted and discharged former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, of forgery charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe upheld a no-case submission filed by Fani-Kayode’s counsel, Norrison Quakers (SAN), ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him. The court found no evidence linking Fani-Kayode to the alleged offence, leading to his discharge.
The EFCC had accused Fani-Kayode of forging medical reports to avoid attending court sessions in an ongoing N4.9 billion fraud case. However, the judge ruled that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence, including testimony from associates or legal representatives who allegedly submitted the reports.
“I have carefully reviewed the prosecution’s evidence and found nothing to support the charges against the defendant,” Justice Abike-Fadipe stated.
Following the ruling, Fani-Kayode expressed relief and gratitude, saying he had been in and out of court for 18 years and was overjoyed to finally be free.
During the trial, the EFCC alleged that Fani-Kayode had procured false medical documents from Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja. However, hospital representatives denied ever treating him or issuing such reports. A witness, Abidat Bukola, also claimed that the former minister paid her N820,000 to obtain forged documents.
Despite these allegations, the court found no concrete evidence proving Fani-Kayode’s involvement and dismissed the case.
