The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed charges of ₦4.8 billion fraud filed against the chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Cletus Ibeto.
Before the case was struck out on Wednesday, EFCC’s counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said Ibeto had refunded over ₦3.2 billion of the money he was accused of stealing from the alleged victim, Daniel Chukwudozie.
He said, “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, 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.”
The defence lawyer Adebayo Oshodi confirmed in court that an agreement had been reached, resulting in the refund, but denied that any issues remained unresolved.
He stated, “I can confirm to the court that all parties have reached an agreement, that the matter be settled out of court. I, however, deny that there are any outstanding issues.”
After considering the submission from both lawyers, Justice Oyindamola Ogala struck out the case.
The EFCC filed the suit in April last year. It was a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery and the fraudulent use of documents.
