Court Acquits Femi Fani-Kayode of Medical Forgery Charges

Court Acquits Femi Fani-Kayode of Medical Forgery Charges

Lagos, Nigeria – February 3, 2025 – The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has acquitted and discharged former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, of all charges related to medical forgery. The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the former minister of submitting forged medical documents to justify his absence during a previous court session.



Court Ruling and Legal Outcome

Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe, who presided over the case, ruled that the prosecution failed to present a compelling case against Fani-Kayode. The defense, led by senior advocate Norrison Quakers, filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented by the EFCC was insufficient to warrant a defense from the accused.

The court agreed with the defense's argument, stating that the EFCC’s evidence was not enough to establish a prima facie case. Justice Abike-Fadipe emphasized that the charges, which included forgery and fabricating medical reports, did not meet the standard of proof required for prosecution. She also highlighted that the EFCC lacked constitutional authority to charge Fani-Kayode with the alleged offences, as they did not qualify as economic crimes.

Background of the Case

Fani-Kayode had been facing 12 counts filed by the EFCC, which included charges of procuring documents by false pretenses, using false documents, fabricating evidence, and using forged medical reports to explain his absence from court during a trial for an alleged N4.9 billion fraud. The prosecution’s case rested on the testimony of seven witnesses and several documents. However, the defense argued that the evidence was insufficient and failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Despite the prosecution’s efforts, the court sided with Fani-Kayode, ruling that the evidence presented was not strong enough to convict him.



Fani-Kayode expressed his relief following the court’s ruling, stating that he had been in and out of court for 18 years and was overjoyed by the outcome. His legal team celebrated the victory, calling it a triumph for justice.

The acquittal has raised questions about the EFCC’s ability to effectively prosecute high-profile cases. Legal analysts suggest that this case underscores the need for stronger investigative processes by the EFCC, as well as better evidence handling in future trials.

The ruling also highlights the challenges of prosecuting politically sensitive individuals in Nigeria, and it raises concerns about the broader state of anti-corruption efforts in the country. Observers have noted that the case reinforces the need for an independent judiciary and robust legal frameworks to ensure justice in such high-profile cases.

The acquittal of Femi Fani-Kayode marks an important development in Nigeria’s legal landscape. While the former minister’s team celebrates their victory, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in prosecuting high-profile figures. It also brings attention to the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, with the need for continuous improvements in the judicial and investigative systems.


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