The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), over his failure to appear for arraignment in an alleged ₦76 billion and $31.5 million fraud case.
Presiding over the case, Justice Mojisola Dada granted the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after Kuru and his lead counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), were absent in court. The judge described the absence as unacceptable, noting Kuru’s alleged repeated noncompliance with administrative bail conditions.
The EFCC accuses Kuru, alongside Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the Managing Director of Arik Air; Kamilu Omokide, Arik’s receiver manager; Union Bank Plc; and Super Bravo Limited, of a six-count charge including fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and making false statements.
The offences are said to contravene Section 96 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and Sections 278(1)(b) and 278(6) of the 2011 version of the law.
When the case was called, several defense counsels, including Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN), appeared for the other defendants. However, Kuru’s absence prompted EFCC counsel Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) to move for a bench warrant.
Shittu revealed that Kuru had evaded administrative bail granted by the EFCC multiple times.
Despite a last-minute plea by Kuru’s newly announced lawyer, I.B. Amefula, to lift the warrant, Justice Dada maintained the order, stating it would only be revoked if Kuru appeared in court on the next adjourned date.
The arraignment was adjourned to January 20, 2025. Justice Dada emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity for all defendants to appear in court.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns about accountability and the management of public institutions in Nigeria.
