By Israel Ajenu
The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Ahmed Kuru, over alleged N76bn and $31.5m of fraud.
Justice Mojisola Dada ordered Kuru’s arrest for failing to appear before the court for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court had scheduled Tuesday to arraign Kuru along with the Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the receiver manager of Arik, Kamilu Omokide, Union Bank Plc, and a company, Super Bravo Limited, for alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud.
They are facing six counts bordering on making a false statement, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened 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.
However, the arraignment could not go on due to the absence of Kuru and his lead counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN).
Earlier, when the case was called, the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), announced his appearance while Prof. Taiwo Osiptan (SAN) appeared for the first defendant (Kamilu Omokide ) and the third defendant ( Captain Roy Ilegbodu).
Olalekan Ojo (SAN) announced his appearance for the fourth defendant (Union Bank of Nigeria Plc), while Tayo Oyetibo SAN appeared for the fifth defendant (Super Bravo Limited).
However, the second defendant (Ahmed Kuru) was absent from court and was not represented.
The court then issued a bench warrant against Kuru.
However, as the judge was about to adjourn the case, she was informed that Kuru was on his way to court. So, she stood the case down for a while.
When the court recovened, Kuru was still absent but a lawyer, I.B. Amefula, announced appearance as Kuru’s lawyer.
However, Shittu, displeased by the development, prayed the court to issue a warrant for Kuru’s arrest.
“The former MD of AMCON had jumped administrative bail granted by the EFCC on several occasions.
“In view of the attitude of the second defendant, we urge the court to issue a bench warrant.
“My Lord, all the defendants in this case were served, but they got to the residence of the second defendant, the man had disappeared. He had blocked his contact.
“Someone who is a former MD of AMCON is not supposed to behave that way,” Shittu argued.
Justice Dada granted Shittu’s prayer and issued a bench warrant against Kuru.
The plea by Amefula for the judge to lift the bench warrant was declined.
“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 judge said and adjourned till January 20, 2025 for the arraignment
