The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has granted Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment.
Justice Mojisola Dada approved an application for the release of Kuru’s international passport, allowing him to travel to London, United Kingdom. While the specific illness was not disclosed, Kuru’s lawyer, Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, SAN designate, informed the court that the request was based on “extreme urgency.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not oppose the application but raised concerns through their counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), regarding intelligence reports that the first and third defendants might be planning to dispose of aircraft linked to Arik Air, central to the ongoing criminal case. Shittu questioned whether Kuru’s travel was a cover for such dealings, noting that some aircraft were reportedly located in France.
Kuru, named as the second defendant, is being tried alongside Kamilu Omokide (former Receiver Manager of Arik Air), Captain Roy Ilegbodu (CEO of Arik Air), Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, and Super Bravo Limited.
Responding to EFCC’s concerns, Badejo-Okusanya clarified that the allegations did not involve Kuru and emphasized that his travel destination was the UK, not France. Union Bank’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), described the EFCC’s claims as speculative and without evidence, defending the bank’s integrity.
Justice Dada acknowledged the EFCC’s concerns but declined to impose any restraining order on the assets due to lack of supporting documents.
The defendants were arraigned in January 2025 on a six-count charge, including conspiracy and fraud involving ₦76 billion and $31.5 million allegedly defrauded from Arik Air. Union Bank faces a count of providing false statements, while the others are charged with theft, abuse of office, and related offences.
All defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail with a ₦20 million bond each and one surety. Their international passports were initially deposited with the court as part of bail conditions.
The EFCC alleges that in 2011, Union Bank made false claims to AMCON about Arik Air’s loan status, resulting in a ₦71 billion transfer to AMCON. Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu are also accused of converting ₦4.9 billion to NG Eagle Ltd in 2022, with Ilegbodu allegedly diverting ₦22.5 million to Magashi Ali Mohammed.
Further charges include the unlawful teardown and destruction of aircraft 5N-JEA, valued at $31.5 million, an act described as harmful to Nigeria’s economy and Arik Air’s viability.
The charges are brought under Sections 73, 96, 278(1), and 278(6) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
