TheCable

The absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and defendants have stalled proceedings in the alleged N4.8 billion fraud trial of Cletus Ibeto, a businessman.

The EFCC had filed a 10-count charge against Ibeto, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings.

The charge borders on obtaining by false pretense, fraudulent conversion of property, criminal breach of trust, forgery and deception.

Kazeem Alogba, the chief justice of Lagos, had reassigned the case to Oyindamola Ogala following a petition against Ismail Ijelu who earlier presided over the case.

However, when the case resumed before Ogala, the new trial judge, on Friday, the EFCC and the defendants were not present in the court.

When the court’s registrar called the case, Adedayo Oshodi announced an appearance for all the defendants, while Babajide Martins, director of Lagos public prosecution (DPP), announced his appearance as an interested party in the matter.

Martins said his appearance in the matter as an interested party is based on section 211 of the 1999 constitution and the petition written by the defendants asking the state’s attorney-general to take over the case.

The trial judge, after hearing from the defendants’ counsel and Martins, said she could not proceed with the proceedings due to the absence of the EFCC.

Ogala told the parties present that the case would be adjourned and hearing notice would be served on EFCC to appear on the next adjourn date.

Subsequently, the judge adjourned the trial to March 11.