Christiana Akinola(Siwes Student, Polytechnic Iresi)
The EFCC has requested the Court of Appeal in Lagos to reject Ibeto’s appeal challenging a bench warrant issued by a Lagos State High Court.
Asserting that the lower court holds authority to order Ibeto’s arrest, the EFCC argues against Ibeto’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Ismail Ijelu issued a bench warrant for Ibeto’s arrest on November 3rd, 2023, following his non-appearance in court on four occasions, despite receiving hearing notices.
Ibeto, Ibeto Energy Development Company, and Odoh Holdings Ltd. face charges of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
Unhappy with the order and the court’s refusal to address his objections, Ibeto filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal, presenting seven grounds for appeal.
Through his lawyer, Olanipekun, the appellant contends that his objections involve constitutional issues that warrant consideration before arraignment.
He further argues that being present in court and arraigned are not mandatory conditions for addressing a preliminary objection on the court’s jurisdiction, already ready for adjudication.
The appellant urges the Court of Appeal to annul the arrest warrant and dismiss the pending suit before the lower court.
