By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
ANY OUT-of-court settlement by Dozzy Group, led by Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, regarding Chief Cletus Ibeto and his companies on an ongoing N4.8 billion fraud case at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, has been firmly denied.
Contrary to claims made by the Ibeto Group, Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited maintains that no resolution has been reached in the criminal prosecution initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a press release from Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited signed by Aguiyi Anaedo, the media personnel, the company described the Ibeto Group’s assertions as misleading and false.
The release refutes the claim that the fraud case has been settled and that the amount in question has been repaid, labeling these statements as an attempt by the Ibeto Group to manipulate public perception.
The EFCC has charged Chief Ibeto and his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Limited, with conspiracy, fraud, forgery, and the fraudulent use of documents.
However, the court has repeatedly postponed the arraignment of Chief Ibeto due to his absence, though his legal representatives have attended.
Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited highlighted the EFCC’s findings, confirming that Chief Chukwudozie advanced N3.295 billion and $3 million to Chief Ibeto and his companies.
While Chief Ibeto repaid the first $3 million, he failed to return the second installment and later claimed that the debt was part of a land transaction.
Despite acknowledging the debt initially, Chief Ibeto later denied its existence, leading to the current legal battle.
The release also addressed the alleged ownership dispute over a parcel of land in Port Harcourt.
Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited challenged the Ibeto Group’s claims of owning 22.6 hectares of land, presenting evidence from the Rivers State Lands Registry that the actual size of the land is only 7.8 hectares.
This discrepancy, Dozzy Group argues, further undermines the credibility of the Ibeto Group’s claims.
In response to the ongoing misinformation, Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited emphasized the legal actions taken against Chief Ibeto.
The company noted that the High Court of Rivers State issued an order preventing the Ibeto Group from encroaching on the land owned by Dozzy Group.
The court also recognized Dozzy Group’s title to the disputed property, contradicting the Ibeto Group’s public statements.
Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited concluded by reiterating the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings, emphasizing that no settlement has been reached.
The company urged the public to disregard the Ibeto Group’s misleading claims and await the outcome of the judicial process.
Strong Key Points from the Press Statement:
Rejection of Settlement: The Dozzy Group categorically rejects any claims of an out-of-court settlement with Chief Cletus Ibeto and his companies, stating that the matter remains unresolved in court.
Ongoing Legal Process: The legal proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Ibeto Group are ongoing, with no conclusion or settlement reached.
Commitment to Justice: The Dozzy Group reiterates its commitment to pursuing justice through the legal system, underscoring that they will continue to cooperate fully with the EFCC to ensure the case is properly adjudicated.
Clarification on Misleading Claims: The company aims to clarify and correct any misleading claims or rumours regarding a potential settlement, reaffirming that these claims are false and unfounded.
