The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out a ₦4.8 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Chief Cletus Ibeto, the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala made the ruling after EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that Chief Ibeto had refunded over ₦3.2 billion of the alleged stolen funds to the complainant, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie.
Jacobs further disclosed that both the defendants and the complainant had met with the EFCC to explore settlement options and agreed to resolve the matter out of court.
“Following the last court session, the parties met with the EFCC to explore settlement options, which resulted in the defendants refunding ₦3.2 billion to the Commission,” Jacobs stated.
“However, two issues remain unresolved: the allegations of forgery and the $3 million that Ibeto denies collecting from the complainant. The EFCC has instructed me to withdraw this case in the spirit of reconciliation while the Commission decides how to address the outstanding issues. I therefore request the court to strike out the charge.”
Defence counsel Adebayo Oshodi confirmed the settlement, but denied any unresolved matters.
“I can confirm to the court that all parties have reached an agreement for the matter to be settled out of court. I, however, deny that there are any outstanding issues,” Oshodi said.
After considering submissions from both parties, Justice Ogala granted the request to strike out the charge.
The EFCC had in April 2023 filed a 10-count charge against Ibeto and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, accusing them of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and the fraudulent use of documents.
However, the arraignment was delayed multiple times due to Ibeto’s repeated absence from court, despite assurances from his legal representatives.
In response to the prosecution’s request, former trial judge Justice Ismail Ijelu ordered Ibeto’s arrest in November 2023 for failing to appear in court.
The case was later reassigned to Justice Ogala in February 2024, following claims of bias and jurisdictional challenges by the defense team.
This latest development marks the end of the fraud charge against the prominent businessman, pending resolution of the remaining issues.