Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Kafarati, has re-assigned the trial of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, to Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had called no fewer than 13 witnesses before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.
EFCC arraigned Fayose before her on October 22, 2018.
It accused Fayose of receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) contrary to the Money Laundering Act. Fayose pleaded not guilty.
EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, had on March 21 expressed lack of confidence in the judge and asked the Chief Judge to re-assign the case.
However, when the case came up on April 15 and the 11th prosecution witness testified, no reference was made to letter.
But in a May 23 letter, Justice Kafarati informed Justice Olatoregun that the case has been re-assigned to another judge of the Lagos Division.
He writes: “I refer to the petition of EFCC on this case and your Lordship’s comments thereto.
“It is apparent that the prosecution has lost confidence in the judge trying this case.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done.
“I hereby transfer this case to Hon Justice C. J. Aneke for hearing.”
Fayose’s spokesman Lere Olayinka yesterday faulted the likelihood that the case would start de novo (afresh).
He said: “After calling 13 witnesses and failing to establish any case, EFCC will start the trial afresh.
“Will they manufacture fresh evidences and new witnesses? What a country. What a government.”
Among those who had testified was former minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.