The nationwide strike initiated by the labor union on Wednesday disrupted the scheduled arraignment of Cletus Ibeto, the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, the trial judge, had initially set November 15, 2023, for the defendant’s arraignment after issuing an arrest order on November 3.
The bench warrant was issued following a motion by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who informed the court that the defendant consistently failed to appear despite receiving multiple hearing notices.
The EFCC had filed charges against the defendant and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Limited, in connection with an alleged N4.8 billion fraud.
The anti-graft agency lodged a 10-count charge against the defendant, encompassing conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
The defendant’s arraignment faced setbacks on September 28, October 5, and November 3, 2023, as he did not appear in court, relying on legal representation.
Once more, the scheduled arraignment of the defendant on Wednesday was thwarted due to the NLC strike. The court premises’ entrance was locked by the workers’ union, preventing the proceedings from taking place.