EFCC Asks Court To Strike Out N4.8billion Fraud Charges Against Cletus Ibeto After Refunding N3.2billion
The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, struck out the charge on the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Chief Cletus Ibeto, the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, has been cleared of an alleged N4.8 billion fraud charge after refunding N3.2 billion to the alleged victim, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie.
The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Oyindamola Ogala, struck out the charge on the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) informed the court, “Following the last court session, the parties met with the EFCC to explore settlement options, which resulted in the defendants refunding ₦3.2 billion to the Commission.
“However, two issues remain unresolved: the allegations of forgery and the $3 million that Ibeto denies collecting from the complainant.
“The EFCC has instructed me to withdraw this case in the spirit of reconciliation while the Commission decides how to address the outstanding issues. I therefore request the court to strike out the charge.”
The defence lawyer, Adebayo Oshodi, disputed the claim of unresolved issues, stating, “I can confirm to the court that all parties have reached an agreement, that the matter be settled out of court. I, however, deny that there are any outstanding issues.”
Justice Ogala, after hearing both sides, struck out the case.
The EFCC had filed a 10-count charge in April 2023 against Ibeto and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, alleging conspiracy, fraud, and forgery.
The case faced delays due to Ibeto’s absence in court, prompting former trial judge Justice Ismail Ijelu to issue an arrest order on 3 November 2023.
In February 2024, the case was reassigned to Justice Ogala following claims of bias against Justice Ijelu and a jurisdictional challenge by the defendants.
