N4.8bn Fraud: Lagos CJ Reassigns Ibeto’s Trial to New Judge Amid Controversy

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has reassigned the case file of the criminal charge filed against the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Chief Cletus Ibeto, and two other alleged N4.8 billion fraud to Justice Oyindamola Ogala.

The case, which has been stalled on four occasions due to the defendant’s failure to appear in court, has now been met with controversy.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged the defendant alongside his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, on a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.

Justice Alogba’s decision to reassign the case came after reviewing petitions written by the defendants against Justice Ismail Ijelu, who earlier presided over the case.

The defendants accused Justice Ijelu of bias and also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

During the proceedings on March 2, 2024, neither the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), nor the defendants were in court.

The trial judge, Justice Ogala, adjourned the case and issued a hearing notice to the EFCC to appear on the next suspension date, which has been set for March 11, 2024.

The planned arraignment of the defendant has been met with further controversy as the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, informed the court that he was considering taking over the matter based on a petition written by the defendant.

This move has been challenged by the anti-graft agency, which sees it as an attempt to shield the defendant from appearing before the court.

As the trial progresses, the legal industry and the public are watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds and whether justice will be served.