Court Frees Businessman Morakinyo from Money-Laundering Charges

A Nigerian court has made headlines by acquitting a prominent businessman and philanthropist, Babatunde Morakinyo, and two companies associated with him, in a case brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering. The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on December 12, 2025, saw Morakinyo and the companies discharged of the charges following what appears to be a lack of compelling evidence presented by the EFCC. According to Tribune Online, the post-trial report stated that ‘the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.’ The acquittal comes as a relief for Morakinyo and his associates, who have maintained their innocence throughout the trial. This ruling underscores the importance of due process in Nigeria’s legal system, and highlights the need for robust evidence in money laundering cases.