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The Lagos High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Nigerian businessman Cletus Ibeto, the chairman and CEO of Ibeto Energy Development Company. The warrant follows Ibeto’s alleged refusal to appear in court to stand trial on charges amounting to a staggering $6.1-million fraud.
The warrant, authorized by Justice Ismail Ijelu, was granted during proceedings at the Lagos High Court after a motion was presented by Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Jacobs informed the judge that despite repeated hearing notices served on the defendant, Ibeto had continuously failed to appear in court.
The issuance of a bench warrant signals a significant turn in the legal proceedings against Ibeto, adding a layer of complexity to the $6.1-million fraud case.
The EFCC had initially brought charges against Ibeto, as well as his associated companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings. These charges include conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents, amounting to 10 counts.
The arraignment of Ibeto, initially scheduled for Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, was postponed twice due to his absence. On these occasions, his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, cited his client’s ill health as the reason for his non-appearance.
However, he assured the court that Ibeto would be present at the next hearing. When the case resumed, Ibeto was again absent, and a new counsel, Dada Awosika, SAN, stood in his place, claiming that the defendant was still unwell.
Rotimi Jacobs, representing the EFCC, argued that the defendant was in Lagos during these court dates, but his non-appearance had hampered their ability to proceed. He requested that the court issue a bench warrant to compel Ibeto’s presence, asserting that senior lawyers should not be permitted to waste the court’s time.
In response, Justice Ijelu ruled that the defense counsel presented no compelling reasons to grant an adjournment. The judge emphasized that the court existed for the administration of justice and would not entertain frivolous delays.
