Court Revokes Bench Warrant Against Former AMCON MD in N76bn Fraud Case

Wale Igbintade

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on yesterday lifted the bench warrant issued against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, in connection with the alleged N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud involving Arik Airline.

Other key defendants in the case include the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline, Kamilu Omokide; the airline’s CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd.

They face charges of theft, abuse of office, making false statements to public officers, and stealing property by dishonest means, as alleged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court’s decision followed the appearance of Kuru in court and a motion filed by his counsel, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN).

Justice Dada ruled to set aside the bench warrant after confirming Kuru’s attendance and the signed undertaking by his counsel to ensure future appearances.

“In view of the attendance of the second defendant in court and the undertaking signed by the learned silk to ensure his attendance in court at any given time, and no objection by the prosecution, the second defendant’s application is hereby granted,” Justice Dada ruled.

EFCC Counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), did not object to the motion after the second defendant’s counsel assured the court that Kuru would attend his arraignment on January 20, 2025.

A bench warrant had been issued against Kuru on December 3 after he failed to appear for his initial arraignment.  The case has now been adjourned to the previously scheduled date for arraignment.