By Abiola Olawale
An Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Thursday, quashed a bench warrant that had been issued against a former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru.
The judgement came on an alleged fraud case involving a staggering sum of N76 billion and $31.5 million linked to Arik Airline.
During court proceedings on Thursday, Kuru’s counsel, Mr Olasupo Shasore (SAN), filed a motion urging that the bench warrant slammed against his client be dismissed.
It would be recalled that the bench warrant had been issued on December 3, 2024, after Kuru failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
However, during court proceedings on Thursday Shasore prayed the court to strike out the warrant, assuring that his client would attend the arraignment on January 20, 2025, and remain present throughout the trial.
EFCC counsel Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN) did not oppose the application, acknowledging the counsel’s undertaking to produce the defendant for arraignment.
Shittu said: “My lord, if the learned silk is assuring the court that the second defendant will be available on January 20 for his arraignment, we will not be objecting to the application. Knowing the consequences of the undertaking, the prosecution will not object to the revocation of the bench warrant.”
In her ruling, the Presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada set aside the bench warrant against Kuru,
Justice Dada ruled: “Given 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 no objection by the prosecution, the second defendant’s application of motion on notice is hereby granted, and the bench warrant set aside.”
The case was then adjourned to January 20, 2025. The New Diplomat gathered Kuru, alongside the current MD of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the receiver manager of Arik, Kamilu Omokide, the Union Bank plc and a company, Super Bravo Limited, are facing a legal battle on a six-count indictment bordering on an alleged stealing of properties belonging to Arik Air.
