Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of prominent businessman Chief Cletus Ibeto on Friday, November 3, 2023.
The warrant was put forth due to Ibeto’s failure to appear in court for his arraignment regarding an alleged N4.8 billion fraud case.
The judge had previously adjourned the arraignment of Ibeto, Ibeto Energy Development Company, and Odoh Holdings to November 3, 2023, after an application and appeal made by his lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, on October 5, 2023.
During the previous hearing, Ikpeazu sought an adjournment, emphasizing the possibility of resolving the matter given adequate time. However, the defence counsel did not provide a medical report to explain Ibeto’s absence, leading to concerns from the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.
Justice Ijelu expressed concern during the last sitting, suggesting that the defence counsel seemed to be attempting to mislead the court. The judge reiterated that the defendant could not evade the court’s summons, adjourning the case until November 3, 2023, for the arraignment of the defendants.
On the scheduled day, Ibeto was again absent from the court proceedings. Jacobs reminded the court that the defendants had been missing during prior sittings on September 28 and October 5, 2023. He recounted the appeals made by various defence counsels for adjournment, citing the absence of the defendant on each occasion.
Apologizing for Ibeto’s non-appearance, counsel for the defendants, D.A. Awosika, SAN, asserted the defendant’s underlying ailment. Awosika highlighted the distinction between proceedings before and after the plea is taken, advocating for the defence’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to be heard prior to the arraignment.
The unfolding events have further complicated the ongoing legal proceedings, intensifying the need for Ibeto’s presence in court to proceed with the case. The issuance of the bench warrant signals a pivotal turn in the legal battle concerning the alleged N4.8 billion fraud case.
The case has been marked by legal intricacies, raising questions about the nature of Ibeto’s absence and the subsequent implications for the trial. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the situation, underscoring the necessity for Ibeto’s attendance to ensure due process in the judicial proceedings.