Fatshimetry recently reported on a major legal event that captivated public attention. The story revolves around a legal dispute involving a prominent entrepreneur and the question of the court’s jurisdiction. The situation took an intriguing turn when Justice Oyindamola Ogala decided to postpone the continuation pending the judgment on appeal regarding the decision of the Court of Appeal in an appeal filed by Ibeto against the decision delivered by Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Ikeja High Court.
The case escalated when the judge issued an arrest warrant for the businessman pending his appearance in court. Dissatisfied with the decision, Ibeto appealed through his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, challenging the jurisdiction of the high court to hear the case.
During the court proceedings, the defense counsel, Adebayo Oshodi, requested the withdrawal of the application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal and the challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, previously filed by Onyechi Ikpeazu. Oshodi also informed the court of a preliminary objection motion challenging the jurisdiction, dated January 26, and prayed for its submission.
However, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, opposed the application, pointing out that Ibeto had already appealed on the same issue before the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, Lagos. Jacobs referenced Section 274 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2021, arguing that the court could not proceed with the hearing due to the defendant’s absence for the trial.
Further developments revealed that the respondent tried to settle out of court by repaying a total amount of N2 billion to the commission in installments. After hearing arguments from both sides, Ogala ruled that deliberating on the defendant’s application would be redundant as the same issue was currently under review by the Court of Appeal. She stated that it would be prudent for the court to await the verdict from the Court of Appeal before progressing with the trial.
The case, initiated by the EFCC, involved ten counts of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and misuse of documents against the defendant, who failed to appear in court to enter a plea. For more details and updates on this legal saga, you can find additional information in the following relevant articles:
– Ibeto’s N48M Fraud Case Adjourned to May 27 Pending Court of Appeal Ruling
– Major Political Twist in the DRC: Ituri Senatorial Elections Postponed
– The Revival of the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria: The Call for New Leadership
Stay tuned for more insightful updates on this unfolding legal drama.
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