The defendant’s arraignment was delayed on both September 28 and October 5 as he did not appear in court, despite being represented by his legal team.
The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has issued an arrest warrant for Cletus Ibeto, the Chairman/CEO of Ibeto Energy Development Company. This action comes as Ibeto allegedly failed to appear in court to face trial on charges related to a 4.8 billion Naira fraud.
Justice Ismail Ijelu issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant, following a motion put forth by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs, SAN. Jacobs informed the judge that despite multiple hearing notices served on the defendant, he had blatantly failed to appear in court.
The EFCC had brought charges against the defendant and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, in connection with an alleged N4.8 billion fraud. The anti-graft agency filed a 10-count charge including allegations of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
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The defendant’s arraignment faced delays on both September 28 and October 5, as he failed to appear in court, despite being represented by his lawyers. On both occasions, his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, explained that his client was absent due to illness, assuring the judge of his appearance in court at a later date.
However, on the current date, Ibeto was represented by a different counsel, Dada Awosika, SAN, who also informed the judge of the defendant’s sickness, rendering him unable to attend court.
In response to this, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, urged the court to issue a bench warrant for the businessman’s arrest. Jacobs stated that the defendant was in Lagos and could have been apprehended by the Commission, but lacked the court’s authorization to do so.
Justice Ijelu ruled that the defence counsel failed to provide a compelling reason for adjournment, emphasizing that the court’s purpose is the dispensation of justice, not for frivolous matters.
He further noted that although the senior counsel was appearing for the first time, two previous senior counsels had assured the defendant’s appearance for arraignment. Given the absence of a substantial excuse for the defendant’s non-appearance, a bench warrant was issued against him.
Justice Ijelu adjourned the matter to November 15 for the defendant’s arraignment.