By Lukman Olabiyi
The Criminal Division of the Ikeja High Court, Court 9 presided over by Justice Ismail Ijeuli on Friday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Chief Cletus Ibeto for failing to appear in court for his arraignment on criminal charges of obtaining by false pretence, criminal breach of trust amongst other charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on the complaint brought to the Commission by Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, the Executive Chairman of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to Chief Ibeto, Awosika SAN, had informed the court that they have filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter and the same must be dispensed with before further proceedings.
That submission was countered by the counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, who informed the court that the submission of the counsel was based on the old law, that Chief Ibeto ought to be present in court for arraignment and thereafter, counsel could move his application challenging the jurisdiction of the court in accordance with the revised 2021 Criminal Law Provisions.
In a considered ruling, the court upheld the argument of EFCC’s counsel and made an order for the issuance of a bench warrant for the arrest of Chief Ibeto.
At the two previous hearings, Chief Ibeto’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu and Emeka Okpoko, both SANs, had assured the court that Chief Ibeto would be present at yesterday’s hearing. Both SAN’s were, however, absent at the proceedings on Friday.
The matter was adjourned to November 15, 2023 for continuation of proceedings.