In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja that Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, has made restitution of N1.
5 billion in two installments. This payment is in connection to the N4.8 billion fraud allegations for which Ibeto and his companies are facing charges in court.
The disclosure was made by the EFCC's counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, during a court session on Monday. Rotimi updated Justice Ogala on the progress of the ongoing plea bargain discussions between the anti-graft agency and the defendants, emphasizing that the repayment was part of the negotiated agreement.
According to Rotimi, the defendants, including Ibeto and his companies, have committed to settling the remaining balance within the next three months. The plea bargain discussions aim to reach a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
While the EFCC's representative provided this information, Adebayo Oshodi, counsel to the defendants, neither confirmed nor denied the claims, maintaining a neutral stance during the proceedings.
Ibeto and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, are currently facing a 10-count charge that includes allegations of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents. The ongoing legal proceedings will continue to unfold as the plea bargain discussions progress, shedding light on the outcomes and resolutions reached between the EFCC and the defendants.
As this case develops, it remains a focal point in the ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes, highlighting the complexities and negotiations involved in reaching settlements through plea bargains within the legal system. Stay tuned for further updates on this significant legal matter.
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