The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the arrest of the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Cletus Ibeto, for allegedly refusing to appear in court to face his alleged N4.8bn fraud trial.
Justice Ismail Ijelu issued the bench warrant after a motion moved by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who informed the court that the defendant had flagrantly failed and refused to appear in court despite repeated hearing notice served on him.
The EFCC had charged the defendant alongside his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Limited, for an alleged N4.8bn fraud, charges bordering on conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents against him.
The defendant’s arraignment was stalled on September 28 and October 5, 2023, due to his failure to appear in court, although he was represented by his lawyers.
