The Office of the Inspector-General of Police has filed a notice withdrawing the criminal charge against Nigerian businessman Austin Albert and one other before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
The withdrawal affects an amended charge marked FHC/LAG/CR/388/2026, filed before the court, presided over by Justice Ahmed Ibrahim Kala, in which Albert and Jinadu Musbau Olalekan were listed as first and second defendants.
In the notice of withdrawal and discontinuance dated July 24, 2026, the police stated that it was withdrawing the charge against all the defendants.
The notice of withdrawal, according to the police, is pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, and stated that the decision followed the emergence of “certain facts” while the case was pending.
The notice therefore stated that the complainant was withdrawing and discontinuing the case against the defendants generally, while it did not disclose the specific issues that prompted the decision.
The development effectively brings the present charge to an end for the time being, although the wording of the notice indicates that further findings are contemplated.
The notice of withdrawal reads: “Notice Of Withdrawal And Discontinuance Brought Pursuant To Section 108 Of The Administration Of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 And Under The Inherent Jurisdiction Of This Court
“Notice is hereby given of the prosecutor’s withdrawal of this charge generally against the defendants in view of the fact that while the charge was pending, certain facts emerged that require the withdrawal and discontinuance of the matter for further findings.
“Hence, the Complainant hereby withdraws and discontinues this case against the Defendants generally pending the outcome of the findings, please.”
