The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has vacated a bench warrant previously issued for the arrest of Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.
The warrant was set aside on Thursday after Kuru’s counsel, Olasupo Shasore, apologized for his client’s absence at the earlier arraignment and assured the court of his future compliance.
In her ruling, Justice Mojisola Dada stated, “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 of motion on notice is hereby granted, and the bench warrant set aside.”
The arraignment has been rescheduled for January 20, 2025.
Shasore, in his submission, pledged that Kuru would appear in court on the scheduled date and fully cooperate during the trial. “I undertake to ensure my client attends court whenever required,” he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, represented by Wahab Shittu, did not oppose the motion. “If the learned silk assures the court of the second defendant’s availability on January 20 for arraignment, we will not object. Now that the defense counsel has signed an undertaking, knowing the consequences, the prosecution has no objections,” Shittu noted.
The bench warrant was issued on December 3, 2024, after Kuru failed to appear for his arraignment on charges related to an alleged ₦76 billion and $31.5 million fraud. The EFCC alleged that Kuru had jumped administrative bail and was unreachable.
Kuru, alongside Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Managing Director of Arik Air; Kamilu Omokide, Arik’s receiver manager; Union Bank Plc; and Super Bravo Limited, faces a six-count charge involving abuse of office, fraudulent conversion, and making false statements to public officers.
While the other defendants were present in court during the December 3 session, Kuru’s absence stalled proceedings, prompting the EFCC to request the arrest warrant.
The case will proceed with the arraignment of all defendants in January.
