An Ikeja special offences court has set aside the arrest warrant previously issued against Ahmed Kuru, the former managing director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Kuru, along with several co-defendants, faces serious allegations involving N76 billion and $31.5 million in fraud.
The arraignment of Kuru is now scheduled for January 20, 2025. He will be joined by Roy Ilegbodu, managing director of Arik Air; Kamilu Omokide, receiver manager of Arik Air; Union Bank Nigeria Plc; and Super Bravo Limited.
These charges stem from a petition filed by Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria, on behalf of Johnson Arumemi, founder of Arik Air, and the airline’s shareholders.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Union Bank is accused of making false statements to AMCON regarding Arik Air’s loans and bank guarantees, which allegedly facilitated the transfer of N71 billion to AMCON.
Furthermore, Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu are charged with embezzling N4.9 billion for the benefit of NG Eagle Limited in 2022. The EFCC also claims that they authorized the destruction of a 5N-JEA aircraft valued at $31.5 million on February 12, 2022.
On December 3, Kuru's absence in court led Judge Mojisola Dada to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. However, during a recent session, Kuru’s counsel, Olasupo Shasore, assured the court of his client's presence at the upcoming arraignment. "My lord, if the learned silk is assuring the court that the second defendant will be available on January 20 for his arraignment, we will not be objecting to the application," stated Wahab Shittu, the prosecution counsel.
Judge Dada, acknowledging the undertaking signed by Kuru’s counsel, revoked the bench warrant and adjourned the case to the new date.
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