Justice I.O. Ijelu has handed over the case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chief Cletus Ibeto CON to the Lagos State Attorney General for reassignment.

This decision comes as the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The Lagos State Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of the case, following a letter written by the Lagos Attorney General.

The transfer of the case to the Lagos Attorney General was prompted by a petition submitted by Chief Robert Clark. SAN, the counsel to Chief Cletus Ibeto, to the Attorney General of Lagos State.

The case originated when Daniel Chukwudozie filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Subsequently, charges were filed at the Lagos High Court Ikeja against Chief Cletus Ibeto and his companies.

These charges are alleged to be fabricated and stem from a failed business transaction between Chief Cletus Ibeto and Sir Daniel Chukwudozie and his companies, which occurred at the Reclamation Road Layout in Bundu Amo Community, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Both parties voluntarily appeared before the High Court of Rivers State to resolve their dispute in Suit No. PHC/15S/CS/2022, between Ibeto Energy Development Limited & Anor vs. Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited & 2 Ors.

In its ruling, the Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, declared Ibeto Energy Development Ltd as the rightful owner of the land, awarding them the Statutory Right of Occupancy over the land situated along the Reclamation Road Layout at Bunda Ama communities, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Dissatisfied with this decision, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie and his companies have lodged appeals, while Chief Ibeto has filed a Cross-Appeal challenging a specific aspect of the judgment.

These appeals are 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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos.

This resulted in a charge being brought against Chief Ibeto in Charge No. ID/2149/23, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chief Cletus Ibeto & 2 Ors. The charge is scheduled to be heard before Honorable Justice 1.O. IJELU at the Ikeja High Court.

The transfer of the case to the Lagos State Attorney General marks a significant milestone in the legal proceedings as the jurisdictional matter is addressed. The Attorney General will now proceed with the prosecution of the case based on the petition presented by Chief Robert Clark, SAN, the counsel to Chief Cletus Ibeto.