N76bn Fraud: Court drops bench warrant against ex-AMCON MD

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has dropped a bench warrant issued against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru.

Kuru was charged alongside others with alleged involvement in  a N76 billion fraud and another $31.5 million fraud involving Arik Airline.

Other defendants in the case include the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd, Kamilu Omokide; the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd.

The defendants face charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged theft, abuse of office, making false statements to public officers, and dishonestly taking the property of another.

Justice Mojisola Dada set aside the bench warrant against Kuru, the second defendant, after his appearance in court on Thursday and the filing of a motion on notice by his counsel, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN).

In her ruling, Justice Dada stated: “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 of motion on notice is hereby granted, and the bench warrant set aside.”

The case was adjourned to January 20, 2025, the previously scheduled arraignment date.

Earlier, Shasore assured the court in his motion on notice dated December 12 that his client would attend the arraignment on January 20, 2025, and remain present throughout the trial.

EFCC counsel Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) did not oppose the application, acknowledging the counsel’s undertaking to produce the defendant for 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. Knowing the consequences of the undertaking, the prosecution will not object to the revocation of the bench warrant,” Shittu said.

The bench warrant had been issued on December 3, 2024, after Kuru failed to appear in court for his arraignment.