The Nigerian government isn’t backing down after a Lagos court freed Olufemi Thomas, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), from most of the money laundering charges brought against him.
Although Justice Olayinka Faji cleared Thomas of five out of six counts on July 24, 2025—citing lack of evidence—Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, has now filed a 28-page appeal seeking to overturn the decision.
In the court’s ruling, the EFCC was criticised for not thoroughly investigating Thomas’ claims and failing to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he laundered money. The judge even ordered that seized funds be returned to Thomas within 14 days, with a ₦10 million fine imposed on him for only one count—making a cash payment above the legal limit of ₦5 million.
But the EFCC isn’t letting it slide.
In their appeal, the Commission argues that the judge relied on “fanciful doubt” and ignored key evidence. EFCC’s lead counsel, SAN Ekele Iheanacho, insists that the agency clearly showed a significant and unexplained rise in Thomas’ wealth, which doesn’t align with his known income as a former public officer.
They’re leaning on Section 19(5) of the EFCC Act, which states that if someone suddenly has wealth way beyond their income, the person must explain where the money came from—and that explanation must be reasonable.
According to the EFCC, Thomas didn’t pay taxes on his farming business or any income apart from his public salary. Therefore, they believe the $2.2 million linked to him should not be returned but rather forfeited to the government.
Now, the ball is in the Court of Appeal’s court, as the EFCC pushes for a reversal of the judgment and for the millions to be seized as proceeds of crime.
The case is drawing public attention as Nigerians continue to watch how justice unfolds—between upholding legal standards and fighting corruption.
