The Inspector-General of Police has filed a notice withdrawing and discontinuing the criminal charge against the Chief Executive Officer of Loft & Keys Limited, Mr Austin Albert, and one other before the Federal High Court 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 the first and second defendants respectively.
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, filed pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, said the decision followed the emergence of “certain facts” while the case was pending.
The police, however, did not disclose the specific facts or issues that prompted the withdrawal.
The notice stated that the complainant was withdrawing and discontinuing the case against the defendants generally, pending the outcome of further findings.
The development brings the present charge to an end for the time being, although the wording of the notice indicates that further findings may determine the next steps in the matter.
The notice of withdrawal reads in part:
“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 requires the withdrawal and discontinuance of the matter for further findings.
“Hence, the Complainant hereby withdraws and discontinue this case against the Defendants generally pending the outcome of the findings please.”
