Alleged N76bn fraud: Court issues arrest warrant against ex-AMCON MD

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for the former Managing Director of Assets Management Cooperation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Kuru alongside four others for alleged Arik Airline N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud.

Other defendants are the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Limited, Kamilu Omokide, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank Limited, and Super Bravo Limited.

The commission charged the defendants with alleged theft, abuse of office, presentation of false statements to public officers, and stealing by dishonestly taking the property of another party.

In Tuesday’s proceeding, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) appeared for the prosecution while Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) appeared for Omokide and Ilegbodu.

Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) represented the Union Bank, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Super Bravo Limited while Mr. I.B. Amefula appeared for Kuru by holding brief for Mr. Olasupo Sashore (SAN).

Shittu urged the court to issue a warrant of arrest against the ex-AMCON chief due to the absence.

He said the prosecution could not arraign the defendants because Kuru was not on court.

READ ALSO: EFCC reportedly grills AMCON MD, Ahmed Kuru, for alleged diversion of assets

According to him, the former AMCON boss has jumped administrative bail on several occasions.

He said: “My lord, the second defendant jumped administrative bail and blocked his contacts.

“Given his attitude, we urge the court to issue a bench warrant.

“My lord, all the defendants in this case were served but they got to the residence of the second defendant, the man had disappeared.

“Someone who is the former MD of AMCON is not supposed to behave that way.”

Osipitan, however, urged the court to allow his clients to continue to enjoy the administrative bail given to them by EFCC.

In her ruling, Justice Dada issued the bench against Kuru after the arraignment was stalled due to his absence.

Dada said she would revoke the bench warrant at the next adjourned date if the second defendant is present in court.

The judge adjourned the case till January 20, 2025, for arraignment.

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