Connect with us

Trending

Court Dismisses ₦4.8 Billion Fraud Case Against Ibeto After Partial Settlement

Published

on

Spread the love

 

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has dismissed a ₦4.8 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company.

The decision came after the EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), requested that the charges be withdrawn, citing a partial settlement between the parties involved.

According to Jacobs, Chief Ibeto refunded ₦3.2 billion to Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, the alleged victim, as part of an out-of-court settlement facilitated by the EFCC. He explained that after the last court session, both parties entered discussions mediated by the Commission, which led to the agreement.

Jacobs stated: “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.”

However, he noted two unresolved issues: allegations of forgery and a disputed $3 million claim that Ibeto denies receiving from the complainant. Despite these outstanding matters, Jacobs said the EFCC decided to withdraw the case in the interest of reconciliation.

The defence counsel, Adebayo Oshodi, supported the motion to strike out the case and confirmed the settlement. However, Oshodi disputed Jacobs’ claims about unresolved issues, insisting that all matters had been resolved through the agreement.

The case began in April 2023 with a 10-count charge against Chief Ibeto, Ibeto Energy Development Company, and Odoh Holdings Ltd. The charges included conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and the use of fraudulent documents.

The trial faced delays, including Chief Ibeto’s repeated absences from court, which led the former presiding judge, Justice Ismail Ijelu, to issue a warrant for his arrest in November 2023. Subsequently, the defendants challenged the court’s jurisdiction and accused Justice Ijelu of bias, prompting the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, to reassign the case to Justice Ogala in February 2024.

While the case has been struck out following the refund and settlement, questions remain regarding the unresolved allegations of forgery and the disputed $3 million. The EFCC may revisit these issues in the future, but for now, the court’s decision brings the contentious legal battle to a close.

The settlement reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s legal system, where alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are employed to expedite cases and reduce the backlog in courts. However, critics argue that such settlements may undermine justice in cases involving serious allegations like fraud and forgery.

Trending

For inside Delta Staati: Meet efe money wey k!dnap him Friend con bęhe*d that he friend, b*ry the he*d for shr!ne and were still collecting money from the boy family wey him kee

Published

on

Spread the love

UPDATE:

Meet efe money wey k!dnap him Friend con bęhe*d that he friend, b*ry the he*d for shr!ne and were still collecting money from the boy family wey him kee

The person wey the Mr Efe kee so na him t!ght friend, na destiny helper to efe. The person wey efe kee so give efe all the access to heąd over hís invęstments.

Nothing this very guy dey do wey him no dey tell this ev!l boy called Efe.

Na the guy he*d Mr Efe hoļd for hand so when police go remøve the he*d for where Efe bųřy am pųt.

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Ooni’s estranged wife, Olori Naomi reportedly collapses, rushed to the hospital following arrest by the police

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been reportedly rushed to the hospital following her arrest.

We reported early this week that Olori Naomi had gotten herself into trouble with her recent charity work. The mother of the crown prince, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hazmat, had organized an event to feed the less privileged. Unfortunately, the event led to the death of over 32 children which was caused by a stampede.

The Governor, while sympathizing with the families of victims, noted that efforts had been made to stop further deaths and support victims.

We also learned that the former Queen reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital shortly after her arrest by the police.

When the news of the incident broke out, Ooni expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He showed solidarity with Naomi. He spoke highly of her character and how she was fond of organising similar events when she was royalty.

Continue Reading

Trending

IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS. As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra.

Published

on

Spread the love

PRESS RELEASE

IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS.

As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period. This trend is worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.

This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general. It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.

In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.

A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.

The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.

In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

21ST DECEMBER, 2024.

Continue Reading

Trending