The planned arraignment of Cletus Ibeto, the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, was delayed on Wednesday due to the nationwide strike initiated by the labor union. The trial judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, had set November 15, 2023, for the defendant’s arraignment after ordering his arrest on November 3. The court issued a bench warrant in response to a motion made by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who informed the court that the defendant had neglected to appear in court despite having hearing notices served on him multiple times. The EFCC had charged the defendant along with his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Limited, for an alleged N4.8 billion fraud.
A 10-count indictment of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents was brought by the anti-graft agency.
The defendant failed to show up for court on September 28, October 5, and November 3, 2023, despite being represented by attorneys. As a result, his arraignment was postponed.
Once more, the NLC strike prevented the defendant’s arraignment, which was scheduled for Wednesday, from taking place because the workers’ union had locked the courthouse entry.