Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has 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 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.
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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.
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