The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja issued a bench warrant on Tuesday 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 on charges of fraud involving N76 billion and $31.5 million.
Justice Mojisola Dada ordered Kuru’s arrest after he failed to show up for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Kuru, along with Captain Roy Ilegbodu (Managing Director of Arik Air), Kamilu Omokide (Arik’s receiver manager), Union Bank Plc, and Super Bravo Limited, faces six charges related to making false statements, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property. The EFCC alleges that these offenses violated Section 96 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and Sections 278 (1)(b) and 278(6) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
Proceedings and Absence of Kuru
At the court session, EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), was present, alongside representatives for the other defendants, including Prof. Taiwo Osiptan (SAN) for Omokide and Ilegbodu, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) for Union Bank Plc, and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Super Bravo Limited. However, Kuru and his lead counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), were absent.
Dr. Shittu informed the court that Kuru had repeatedly evaded administrative bail and was unreachable, alleging that the former AMCON MD had deliberately absconded. “My Lord, all the defendants in this case were served, but when officials went to the residence of the second defendant, he had disappeared and blocked all contact,” Shittu argued.
Bench Warrant Issued
In response to the EFCC’s application, Justice Dada issued a bench warrant for Kuru’s arrest. Although a lawyer, I.B. Amefula, later appeared on Kuru’s behalf and pleaded for the warrant to be lifted, the judge declined the request. Justice Dada emphasized, “I will retain the order until the next adjourned date. When he is here on the next adjourned date, I will revoke the order.”
Next Steps
The court adjourned the case to January 20, 2025, for Kuru’s arraignment. The judge’s order underscores the seriousness of the charges and the expectation that all defendants comply with court proceedings.
