The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to arraign Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, over alleged involvement in a N4.8 billion fraud.
The trial judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, on November 3, 2023, had issued an arrest order for the businessman due to his alleged failure to appear in court for the fraud trial.
Cletus Ibeto, along with his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, faces a 10-count charge brought by the EFCC.
The charges include conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
Despite the defendant’s absence in court on three occasions, he was represented by his legal team, citing his ill health as the reason for his non-appearance.
During the last court session, Justice Ijelu expressed dissatisfaction with the defense counsel’s request for an adjournment, stating that no compelling reason was provided for the defendant’s continued absence.
The judge emphasized that the court existed for the sole purpose of dispensing justice and not for frivolous matters.
Consequently, Justice Ijelu issued a bench warrant against the defendant and adjourned the case to November 15 for Ibeto’s arraignment.
