The Lagos State High Court, situated in Ikeja, Lagos, has issued a bench warrant for the apprehension of businessman Cletus Ibeto, who failed to make a court appearance for his arraignment on charges of an alleged N4.8 billion fraud.
A statement by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, indicated that Justice I.O. Ijelu issued the warrant on Friday.
This development transpired after the judge had adjourned Ibeto’s arraignment, along with Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings, on 10-count charges related to obtaining by false pretences, fraudulent conversion of property, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and deception.
This adjournment was granted on October 5, 2023, with the new arraignment date set for November 3, 2023, following a request from Ibeto’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu.
Mr. Ikpeazu, in his request for an adjournment, conveyed to the court that the law applies to everyone without exception, expressing confidence in resolving the matter given some time.
He also mentioned the absence of a medical report explaining the defendant’s non-appearance and suggested that the issues at hand could potentially be resolved between the complainant and the defendants.
In response, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, highlighted that while plea bargaining was encouraged even in criminal cases, the EFCC had provided an opportunity for the parties to resolve their differences, which they did not take advantage of.
He emphasized the need for an initial arraignment before the court could proceed with any actions.
