Police File Withdrawal Notice In Criminal Charge Against Bizman Austin Albert, Other

The office of the Inspector-General of Police has filed a notice of withdrawal in the criminal charge filed against a Nigerian businessman, Austin Albert and one other before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The withdrawal affects in 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.

The police, in the notice of withdrawal and discontinuance dated July 24, 2026, 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, 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 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.”