By Ayomide Otitoju
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has set aside a bench warrant issued against Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The warrant was previously issued due to his absence at an arraignment for alleged involvement in a ₦76 billion fraud case.
Justice Mojisola Dada revoked the bench warrant on Tuesday after considering the submissions and apologies presented by Kuru’s counsel, Olasupo Shasore (SAN).
“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 with no objection from the prosecution, the second defendant’s application is hereby granted, and the bench warrant is set aside,” ruled Justice Dada.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to January 20, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants.
Defense and Prosecution Remarks
Shasore, representing Kuru, filed an application dated December 12, in which he assured the court that Kuru would be present for the scheduled arraignment in January. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring Kuru’s attendance throughout the trial.
On the prosecution side, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wahab Shittu (SAN), did not oppose the application.
“My lord, if the learned silk is assuring the court that the second defendant will be available on January 20 for arraignment, we have no objection,” Shittu stated. He added that the EFCC had previously been unable to contact Kuru, but with his counsel’s undertaking, the prosecution agreed to the revocation of the bench warrant.
Background
The bench warrant was issued on December 3, 2024, following Kuru’s absence in court. The EFCC had filed a six-count charge against Kuru and other defendants, including Arik Air Managing Director Captain Roy Ilegbodu, receiver manager Kamilu Omokide, Union Bank Plc, and Super Bravo Limited. The charges include abuse of office, fraudulent conversion, and making false statements to a public officer.
Kuru was accused of evading the administrative bail granted by the EFCC, leading the prosecution to request the court’s intervention. While other defendants appeared in court, Kuru’s absence delayed their arraignment.
Next Steps
With the bench warrant now set aside, Kuru is expected to appear in court on January 20, 2025, alongside the other defendants, to face charges related to the alleged ₦76 billion fraud. The case underscores the judiciary’s balancing act between ensuring compliance with legal procedures and safeguarding defendants’ rights.
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