In a recent development in the legal saga between the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and Cletus Ibeto CON, Justice I.O. Ijelu has made a decisive move by handing over the case to the Lagos State Attorney General for reassignment, citing jurisdictional constraints.
“This decision comes as the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter,” stated Justice Ijelu, highlighting the procedural hurdle that prompted the transfer.
The transfer of the case to the Lagos Attorney General was prompted by a petition submitted by Robert Clark, SAN, counsel to Chief Cletus Ibeto, to the Attorney General of Lagos State.
Clark stressed the importance of addressing jurisdictional issues to ensure fair legal proceedings.
The legal tussle traces back to a petition filed by Daniel Chukwudozie with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), resulting in charges being filed against Cletus Ibeto and his companies at the Lagos High Court Ikeja.
These charges are alleged by Ibeto’s legal team to be fabricated and connected to a failed business transaction between Ibeto and Chukwudozie’s companies in Rivers State.
The genesis of the dispute lies in a failed business transaction at the Reclamation Road Layout in Bundu Amo Community, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Despite voluntary appearances before the High Court of Rivers State to settle the matter, dissatisfaction led to appeals and counter-appeals currently pending at the Court of Appeal Port Harcourt Division.
“While the case is still awaiting resolution at the Court of Appeal Port Harcourt, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie filed a petition with the EFCC in Lagos, triggering a fresh charge against Chief Ibeto,” noted legal observers.
The transfer of the case to the Lagos State Attorney General signifies a crucial juncture in the legal proceedings, ensuring that jurisdictional matters are appropriately addressed.
The Attorney General’s office will now spearhead the prosecution of the case, guided by Robert Clark’s petition and the complexities surrounding the dispute.
