A series of recent judgments delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sparked debate about the efficacy of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, particularly in the courtroom. His courtroom has become notable for discharging and acquitting numerous politically exposed individuals and prominent figures accused of financial crimes, with many cases dismissed on technicalities.
Atiku’s Son-in-Law Cleared in $140,000 Alleged Laundering
One such case involved Abdullahi Babalele, a son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was accused of laundering $140,000 allegedly intended for ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in the lead-up to the 2019 general elections. Despite testimony from EFCC witnesses and presentation of documents, Justice Aneke dismissed the case in December 2020, citing lack of territorial jurisdiction. He ruled that since the alleged offence occurred in Abeokuta and not Lagos, the court lacked authority. His judgment leaned on the Supreme Court’s decision in EFCC v. Belgore.
Senator Nwaoboshi Escapes ₦322Million Charge – Temporarily
In another ruling in 2021, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, along with two of his firms, was acquitted of a ₦322 million money laundering charge. The judge stated that the EFCC had not provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case, especially noting the absence of testimony from bank officials. The EFCC had accused the senator of using illicit funds to acquire Guinea House, a valuable property in Apapa, Lagos.
Unconvinced by the judgment, the anti-corruption agency pursued an appeal. On July 1, 2022, the Court of Appeal overturned Justice Aneke’s verdict, convicted the senator, and ordered the winding up of the two implicated companies – Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd. The appellate court ruled that the EFCC had adequately proven the charges.
Fayose’s ₦6.9Billion Trial Ends After Seven Years
On July 16, 2025, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, was acquitted in a ₦6.9 billion corruption case that had dragged on for seven years. Justice Aneke ruled in favour of a no-case submission made by Fayose’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, who argued that there was no link between his client and the alleged laundered campaign funds sourced from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The judge concurred that the EFCC had failed to provide sufficient grounds to proceed to a full defence.
Ex-Air Force Chiefs Cleared of ₦22.8Billion Allegation
Justice Aneke also presided over the dismissal of a ₦22.8 billion fraud case in February 2024 against former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, and two other senior officers. According to the ruling, the EFCC lacked the legal mandate to prosecute serving military personnel without going through a military court-martial. Referring to a Supreme Court decision in Ja’faru v. FG, the judge declared that the entire prosecution process, including the investigation and arraignment, was invalid.
₦12.3Billion Fraud Allegation Against Otudeko and Onasanya Resolved
On July 23, 2025, billionaire businessman Dr. Oba Otudeko, former First Bank MD Olabisi Onasanya, and others were freed of a ₦12.3 billion fraud charge. This came after the EFCC, through its lawyer, informed the court that the dispute had been resolved between the bank and the defendants. The judge struck out the suit after being told the funds had been recovered in full and that the Attorney General of the Federation had authorised the withdrawal to avoid what was described as an abuse of court process.
While each of these rulings is grounded in different legal interpretations and procedural issues, critics argue that Justice Aneke’s courtroom is increasingly becoming the place where corruption allegations go to die, often without securing convictions.
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