The Lagos State Special Offences Court on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria , AMCON, over an alleged N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud .
The court’s decision followed Kuru’s failure to appear for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC.
Justice Mojisola Dada issued the arrest order after Kuru did not attend the scheduled session, which was to arraign him along with other defendants: Captain Roy Ilegbodu (Managing Director of Arik Air), Kamilu Omokide (receiver manager of Arik) Union Bank Plc, and Super Bravo Limited.
The defendants face six charges, including making false statements, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property. These alleged offenses contravene sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, specifically Section 96 of the 2015 Criminal Law, and Sections 278(1)(b) and 278(6) of the 2011 Criminal Law.
The arraignment was delayed due to Kuru’s absence, as well as the absence of his lead counsel, Olasupo Shasore ,SAN, . However, the other defendants were represented in court: Prof. Taiwo Osiptan , SAN, for Omokide and Ilegbodu, Olalekan Ojo , SAN, for Union Bank, and Tayo Oyetibo , SAN, for Super Bravo Limited. Kuru’s absence led the court to initially issue a bench warrant for his arrest. Just before the judge was about to adjourn, she was informed that Kuru was on his way to the court, prompting her to temporarily stand the case down.
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When the court resumed, Kuru was still absent, but a lawyer named I.B. Amefula appeared on his behalf. Frustrated by the situation, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, stated:“The former MD of AMCON has repeatedly jumped the administrative bail granted by the EFCC. Given the behavior of the second defendant, we request the court to issue an arrest warrant.” He added, “My Lord, all defendants in this case were served, but when we arrived at the second defendant’s residence, he had vanished. He has blocked his contact. A former MD of AMCON should not act in this manner.”
In response, Justice Dada granted Shittu’s request, issuing the bench warrant for Kuru’s arrest. Amefula’s plea to lift the bench warrant was denied, with the judge stating: “I will retain the order until the next adjourned date.
“When he is here on the next adjourned date, I will revoke the order.”
The case was adjourned until January 20, 2025, when Kuru is expected to be arraigned.
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