The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 10-count accusation against Ibeto and his company, alleging offenses related to gaining by false pretense, fraudulent conversion of property, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and deception.
In addition to the aforementioned duo, the charge also encompassed Odoh Holdings Ltd., a corporation associated with Ibeto.
The case against the Defendants is still under adjudication before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the criminal division of the Lagos High Court Ikeja.
The court, during its last session, had decided to postpone the arraignment to October 5, 2023, as the defendants were not present. Additionally, Ibeto's Counsel requested an extension on medical reasons to allow Ibeto to attend the proceedings.
During the hearing that took place on October 5, the legal representative for the defendants, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), notified the court that the absence of Ibeto was due to his poor health condition. Consequently, Dr. Ikpeazu requested a further postponement of the proceedings.
In response to the nonattendance of the defendants at the court session, the prosecutor and counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacob (SAN), brought to the judge's attention that the adjournment of the case during the last proceeding was a result of the defendants' absence.
Nevertheless, he reluctantly consented to the defense counsel's request for a postponement in order to allow Ibeto to be present in the courtroom.
Ikpeazu, however, informed the court that the defendants had initiated discussions with the prosecution regarding a potential resolution outside of the courtroom, and this process was currently in progress.
Upon careful consideration of the arguments presented by the parties, Justice Ijelu expressed disapproval towards the defendants' approach. It was observed that the court could not exercise jurisdiction over the matter until the defendants willingly participated in the legal proceedings by formally entering a plea.
The presiding judge issued a reminder to the defense counsel representing Ibeto that the court had previously postponed the proceedings on two occasions at the request of the defendants. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that if the defendants choose to pursue an alternative resolution through out-of-court settlement, they must first undergo the trial process.
The court, however, decided to postpone the case until November 3 of the current year, in order to proceed with the formal arraignment of the offenders.
