Lagos, June 26 (NAN) – Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, expressed profound relief and gratitude following his recent acquittal from money laundering charges.
The prosecution, which lasted over 12 years, ended on Monday when the Federal High Court in Lagos cleared Ikuforiji of all 54 charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Mohammed Liman, in his ruling, dismissed the charges, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the legal burden of proof required.
Addressing the press in Lagos on Wednesday, Ikuforiji shared his overwhelming joy at the verdict, describing the experience as a “rebirth of sorts.” He stated, “I am a very happy man. It feels so great to be free after 12 and a half years of prosecution and persecution. Since gaining my freedom, I am extremely grateful to God.”
Ikuforiji recounted the moment he informed his wife, Mayowa, of the acquittal. “When I got out of the court, I called my wife because I did not tell her while going to the court that day. I was even joking with a friend that if I had seen a Black Maria, I would have to run away.”
Reflecting on his faith during the ordeal, he said, “As a strong believer, I always trusted in what Almighty Allah decreed. However, as a man, there were moments when I questioned why this was happening.”
Ikuforiji served as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2005 to 2015, a period he described as harmonious and progressive. “During my 10 years as Speaker, there was no time the lawmakers fought. The Lagos assembly was the best because of the harmonious relationship. We led a progressive house, making significant laws, including passing the FOI Act before the National Assembly.”
Despite the hardship, Ikuforiji declared he would not sue the EFCC for wrongful prosecution. “I suffered for 12 and a half years over wrongful allegations. A faceless petitioner accused the assembly of arm-twisting the Lagos state government to pay N500 million monthly, later alleging I embezzled N7 billion. It was ridiculous.”
He detailed his initial arrest and subsequent investigation. “I received a call from the EFCC while going to Umrah. I honored their invitation upon my return and spent the weekend in their cell. They combed through our books for three months and found nothing.”
Ikuforiji also shared how the ordeal led him to pursue a law degree. “This case pushed me toward reading law. If not for this trouble, I wouldn’t be a lawyer today.”
Expressing gratitude to his family, colleagues, friends, and supporters, Ikuforiji said, “I thank my family, colleagues, friends, and the media for standing by me. The EFCC started with 200 charges and trimmed it to 54, and no one mentioned embezzlement.”
Looking ahead, Ikuforiji hinted at a possible return to politics, leaving his future in God’s hands. “Whether I will contest for an elective position in 2027 is for God to determine.”
Ikuforiji’s acquittal marks a significant chapter in his life, a testament to his resilience and faith throughout a prolonged and arduous legal battle.
