The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), over his alleged involvement in a N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud. The court’s decision came after Kuru failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday.
Justice Mojisola Dada had set the date to arraign Kuru, alongside the Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, and Kamilu Omokide, the receiver manager of Arik, along with Union Bank Plc and Super Bravo Limited, for their roles in the alleged fraud. The charges against them include making false statements, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and the dishonest conversion of property.
However, when the case was called, Kuru was absent, and his legal team was also not present. This led to the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. As the court was about to adjourn, it was informed that Kuru was on his way to court, prompting a brief delay in proceedings. When the court reconvened, Kuru still had not arrived, and his absence continued to raise concerns.
EFCC prosecuting counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, expressed frustration over Kuru’s absence and requested that the court issue a bench warrant, noting that Kuru had previously violated his administrative bail by disappearing and blocking the EFCC’s attempts to contact him.
Justice Dada granted the request and issued the bench warrant, rejecting a plea from Kuru’s newly assigned lawyer, I.B. Amefula, to lift the order. The judge stated that the bench warrant would remain in place until the next hearing date, scheduled for January 20, 2025. If Kuru appears at that time, the bench warrant will be revoked.