Police pull plug on criminal case against Loft & Keys CEO

The Office of the Inspector-General of Police has filed a notice of withdrawal and discontinuance of the criminal charge against the Chief Executive Officer of Loft & Keys Limited, Mr Austin Albert, and one other defendant before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

The withdrawal affects the amended charge marked FHC/LAG/CR/388/2026, in which Albert and Jinadu Musbau Olalekan were listed as the first and second defendants.

The case is before Justice Ahmed Ibrahim Kala.

In the notice of withdrawal and discontinuance dated July 24, 2026, the police stated that it was withdrawing the charge against all the defendants.

According to the notice, the withdrawal was made pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

The police said the decision followed the emergence of “certain facts” while the case was pending.

The notice stated that the complainant was withdrawing and discontinuing the case against the defendants generally, but did not disclose the specific facts or issues that prompted the decision.

The development brings the present charge to an end for the time being, although the wording of the notice indicates that further findings are being pursued.

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.”