By Ademola Mariam Adekemi (SIWES student, Ogun State Institute of Technology Igbesa OGITECH)
The arraignment of Ibeto Energy Development Company’s Chairman, Cletus Ibeto, faced its fourth postponement at the Lagos High Court.
Ibeto’s repeated non-appearance raised concerns, further complicated by the Lagos State Attorney-General’s attempt to take over the prosecution.
Led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Uche Obi, Ibeto’s legal team raised a question about representation due to the AG’s intervention, a move criticized by the EFCC as an obstruction to the trial.
The EFCC had accused Ibeto and his companies of ten counts, including conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
Despite a bench warrant for Ibeto’s arrest, he remained elusive, prompting the EFCC’s claim that the AG’s actions aimed to shield him.
In response, the prosecution argued that federal laws governed the main charges, making it inappropriate for the state Attorney-General to take over. The EFCC, having visited Ibeto’s locations, revealed his evasion and subsequent fleeing from the country.
While Ibeto’s lawyer cited medical treatment in the United States as the reason for his absence, the court adjourned the case to January 29, 2024, aiming to resolve the representation and prosecution challenges.
In considering arguments from both sides, the judge emphasized the need to address issues related to the prosecutor’s representation and the involvement of the Attorney General.
