NEWS
EFCC Raises Eyebrows At Lagos AG’s Influence In Ibeto Fraud Trial
The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed concern about the Lagos State Attorney-General’s plan to handle the N4.8 billion fraud case against Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company.
Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), EFCC’s counsel, raised objections in the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, alleging that this move could disrupt the trial.
This assertion came after the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Jide Martins, mentioned to Justice Ismail Ijelu that the Attorney-General is contemplating taking over the case following a petition from the defendant.
The defendant, along with his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, faced a 10-count charge from the anti-graft agency, involving conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and fraudulent use of documents.
Despite attempts to arraign the defendant on September 28, October 5, and November 3, his absence in court led to three adjournments, despite representation by his legal team.
On November 3, 2023, Justice Ijelu granted the prosecution’s request to issue an arrest order for the businessman, citing his repeated failure to appear for his plea despite assurances from his legal team.
During the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Martins informed the court about a petition from the law firm of Robert Clarke (SAN), requesting a review of the case file and advocating for the Attorney-General’s direct intervention to take over the case.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the court that while the Ministry of Justice has requested the case file from the EFCC, the Attorney-General has yet to make a decision regarding this matter.
In response, the defense counsel, Uche Obi (SAN), requested an adjournment until the matter concerning legal representation is clarified and resolved.
Obi said, “An issue of legal representation has just arisen in court this morning. The learned DPP has asked for an opportunity to reappraise the complainant’s complaint, and the State has to be given a chance to take that decision. It appears that nothing else can be done today (Tuesday) but to allow for a reasonable time for the State to decide.”
In response, Jacobs highlighted to the judge that the defendant had engaged four different lawyers, seemingly as part of an attempt to disrupt the proceedings of the case.
The senior lawyer stated “This is not a case that the Lagos State Attorney-General can take over because the primary counts of the charge are based on Federal laws.
“Section 211 limits the State AG to the takeover of state’s offences, and this power cannot be extended to Section 174, which is on federal crimes.
“The Attorney-General’s letter to this court was written without hearing from us, and the purpose was to shield the defendant from appearing before this court, and when he is seized of the whole matter, he will change his mind.”
In his ruling, Justice Ijelu acknowledged that the primary court business was the defendants’ arraignment.
The prosecutor informed the court that the bench warrant couldn’t be executed as the defendant was abroad.
Additionally, the defense counsel stated that the defendant was in Dallas, USA, receiving treatment for a severe ailment.
The judge, after considering these submissions, emphasized the need to resolve the representation issue between the prosecutor on record and the Attorney-General, as it had become a significant point requiring resolution.
Justice Ijelu adjourned the case to January 29, 2024, to address and resolve the matters concerning representation and prosecution of the defendant.
Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his manner of addressing the President, describing it as “the height of insolence.”
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Dare accused Atiku of political hubris for addressing the President simply as “Bola” while allegedly attempting to dictate how the government should be run.
“To seek to lecture a sitting president with the unbridled insolence of dropping his first name, petulantly barking instructions, and dictating how governance should be run within a truncated timeline is the height of political hubris,” Dare said.
ALSO READ: Sunday Dare Highlights Tinubu’s Key Achievements, Fires Back at Steve Osuji
He also dismissed Atiku’s comments on fiscal management, arguing that Nigerians do not need lectures from the former vice president on how to manage the economy.
Dare described Atiku as a “political wanderer” whose decades-long pursuit of the presidency, according to him, has been defined by “perpetual opportunism.”
He defended the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, saying the President was undertaking what he described as the “heavy, foundational lifting” required to restructure an economy affected by decades of structural challenges and subsidy costs.
“Atiku’s sudden conversion to the gospel of interventionism rings hollow,” Dare said, describing it as a strategy by what he called a “perennial seeker of power” to exploit national difficulties for electoral mileage.
Dare also accused Atiku of weaponising economic challenges for political purposes, while defending the Tinubu administration’s approach to economic reforms.
Biztellers reports that Dare was also reacting to a recent International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration ruling on the dispute involving Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and the Federal Government.
Recall that an ICC arbitration tribunal sitting in Paris on Thursday, September 17, 2026, issued a ruling rejecting Sunrise Power’s claims against the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State.
Speaking via a post on X on Friday, Dare said: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s recent theatrical press conference, characterised by haughty condescension and an unbecoming disregard for the high office of the President of Nigeria, is nothing short of self-deprecation.”
Dare accused Atiku of attempting to distract Nigerians from questions surrounding the Mambilla project and his past, while criticising what he described as the former vice president’s renewed interventionist position on economic matters.
He further questioned Atiku’s criticism of the Tinubu administration, arguing that the former vice president should first address lingering questions surrounding his past before attempting to lecture the government on governance and economic management.
The comments come amid renewed exchanges between Atiku and the Tinubu administration as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, over alleged illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the action followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
Recall that the deaths occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
RELATED NEWS: 37 Miners’ Deaths: Interior Minister Arrives Minna, Set to Inspect Detention Centre
The Minister also ordered the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.
Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as “deeply disturbing”, stressing that the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events that led to the incident.
According to the statement, the committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention, as well as the cause and circumstances surrounding their deaths.
It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee.
He further ordered that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” the Minister warned.
Members of the investigative committee
The 10-member committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as Secretary.
Other members are:
AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired)
Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
Representative of the Minna Emirate Council
Representative of the Niger State Government.
Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria
Mr Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist
Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper
Dr George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst
The committee may co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.
It has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister.
20 NSCDC officers suspended
The Federal Government also released the names of 20 officers suspended in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps.
The suspended officers are:
O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka
Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed
Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed
Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday
Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis
Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino
HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi
O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado
Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed
Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale
Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada
Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar
Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman
Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya
Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman
Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi
Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu
Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed
Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah
Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi
The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is set to address a world press conference at his residence in Abuja on Friday.
The specific reason for the media briefing has not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
SEE ALSO: Mambilla: ICC Orders Sunrise Power to Pay Nigeria $11.8m After 9-Year Battle
Atiku’s planned engagement comes amid several developments attracting public attention, including a recent report from TheCable concerning a $500,000 payment allegedly transferred in 2003 to his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
TheCable reported that Adesanya told an international arbitration tribunal that the payment was part of a foreign-exchange transaction carried out for Atiku.
The report further stated that the payment was made through China Castle Investments Limited, an offshore company controlled by Adesanya.
The development comes shortly after an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal ruled in favour of Nigeria in the $2.35 billion arbitration dispute brought by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project.
The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria for a portion of its legal fees and expenses.
However, there is currently no official indication that Atiku’s scheduled press conference is connected to the Sunrise Power report, the arbitration ruling or any other specific issue.
The Soludo, Obi Spat – When Brothers Fight to the Finish
‘Calling Tinubu Bola, Giving Him Orders Is Insolence’ — Sunday Dare Blasts Atiku
37 Deaths in NSCDC Custody: FG Suspends 20 Officers, Sets Up Independent Panel
JUST IN: Atiku Set to Address World Press Conference in Abuja
‘No One Will Be Shielded’ — FG Vows Justice Over Death of 37 Miners
37 Miners’ Deaths: Interior Minister Arrives Minna, Set to Inspect Detention Centre
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
OVI laws around Ohio can be intricate, just it’s essential to own a good comprehension of them if anyone find levies. Operating under that the influence (DUI) will be a grave transgression that will can posses substantial ramifications on our life. In Ohio, really legal threshold for blood flow ethanol content (BAC) is 8 percentfor nearly all motorists furthermore 0.04% commercial individuals.
If you happen to be pulled by police administration and suspected of driving while intoxicated, they might carry out field sobriety tests or substance testing, that that breathalyser or bloodstream checks, to establish your very own level of impairment. Refusing they tests can result in programmed consequences, including license suspension.
DUI offensive activity in Ohio maintain different consequences, based on on factors enjoy prior judgment of conviction, BAC amount, and/or regardless there was an mishap or personal injury used. Repercussions can feature fees, license suspension system, imperative alcoholic beverages treatment systems, liberation, and even prison time. Do it again criminal acts and intensified situations can result in more severe penalties.
Suffering from a skilled DUI barrier attorney is crucial to navigate the intricacies of Ohio dwi laws. They are allowed to analyze the data, struggle the legalization of the end, query the correctness of investigations, and uncover possible protections to help alleviate the fees. Further, an law firm can manual you thru the lawful process, guaranteeing your very own right are protected and recommending for the very best available end result.
Remember, being assured regarding Ohio’s DUI statutes and looking for the help of an encountered attorneys are important actions in correctly taking care of a DUI price plus shielding your very own foreseeable future. bribery defense lawyer
driving under the influence regulations as part of Ohio can be complex, and yet it’s vital to has a great knowledge of all of them if you find rates. Operating under really influence (DUI) is truly a serious misdemeanor who can need notable ramifications on some future. In Ohio, their lawful limit for body ethanol content (BAC) is 8%for a large number of motorists additionally 4 percent commercial individuals.
If you might be pulled over by legal police and accused of driving under the influence, they might undertake roadside sobriety examinations or chemical assessments, really given that breathalyzer or body examinations, to figure out the degree of disability. Declining many of these tests can lead to guaranteed penalties, including driving license suspension.
drunk driving charge crimes in Ohio maintain multiple penalties, depending upon on variables enjoy prior prosecutions, BAC amount, then even if recently there is an problem or hurt involved. Effects might contain penalties, license suspension system, necessary booze remedies services, probation, and regular imprisonment time. Repeat crimes and irritated instances can result in more intense consequences.
Enduring a experienced DUI safeguard attorney is essential to handle the complexnesses of Ohio drunk driving statutes. They should review the proof, question the lawfulness of the break, ask the truth of checks, and search potentially interested protection to help decrease the expenditures. You will, an legal representative can manual you by the suitable process, determining some protects are preserved and suggesting for the optimum you can finish.
Keep in mind, being assured more than Ohio’s DUI laws and looking the assistance of an encountered legal are important actions in properly approaching a DUI rate furthermore guarding some later. probation violation defense lawyer