The planned arraignment of Ibeto Energy Development Company Chairman, Cletus Ibeto, at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, was disrupted on Wednesday due to the nationwide labor strike.
Despite Justice Ismail Ijelu setting November 15, 2023, for Ibeto’s arraignment after issuing an arrest order on November 3, the strike hampered the court proceedings.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Ibeto and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Limited, in connection with an alleged N4.8 billion fraud.
The anti-graft agency filed a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
The defendant’s arraignment was stalled on September 28, October 5, and November 3, 2023, due to his failure to appear in court, although he was represented by his lawyers.
Again, as a result of the NLC strike, the defendant’s arraignment, which had been slated for Wednesday, could not go on as the entrance to the court premises was locked by the workers’ union.
