Court acquits former Lagos assembly speaker, Ikuforiji, of money laundering charges

Adeyemi Ikuforiji, a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been acquitted of money laundering charges by the Federal High Court in Lagos. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought the charges against him over 12 years ago.

Justice Mohammed Liman delivered the verdict on Monday after a lengthy trial that spanned more than a decade.

The case went through several twists and turns, journeying to and back from the Supreme Court and changes in presiding judges.

Ikuforiji, along with his former personal assistant Oyebode Atoyebi, faced 54 counts related to alleged money laundering of N338.8 million. Both men pleaded not guilty and remained on bail throughout the proceedings.

The prosecution closed its case in March 2021 after presenting two witnesses. The defence, led by senior lawyer Dele Adesina, began their arguments in May 2023. Mr Ikuforiji himself testified, claiming he was targeted based on a baseless petition accusing him of stealing billions from the Lagos treasury.

The court ultimately ruled in favour of the defence, acquitting Ikuforiji and Atoyebi of all charges.