EFCC Arraigns Former AMCON MD, Ahmed Kuru, Four Others, Over Alleged N76bn Fraud Of Arik Air

By Akinwale Kasali

Anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, alongside four others, for allegedly defrauding Arik Airline of N76 billion and $31.5 million.

Arraigned alongside Kuru are four defendants – Kamilu Omokide, the former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, and Super Bravo Ltd.

The defendants face six counts of theft, abuse of office, and stealing by dishonestly taking the property of another.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.

However, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), the defence Counsel for the first and third defendants, informed the Court of a motion for a bail application, requesting that the defendants be granted bail on liberal terms.

Also, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), the counsel for the second defendant, urged the Court to grant bail to his client on self-recognition.

In response, the prosecution opposed the bail applications through counter-affidavits. EFCC Counsel Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN) expressed concerns that the defendants might be tempted to leave the country.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Mojisola Dada granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N20 million, requiring one surety each in an equal amount.

The Judge stipulated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and provide proof of identification. Additionally, the defendants were ordered to submit their international passports to the court registrar.

The Court directed that the defendants remain in the custody of their respective counsel pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The trial is set to commence on March 17.

The Commission also alleged that Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu fraudulently converted N4.9 billion to their use through NG Eagle Ltd in 2022.

Furthermore, the EFCC claimed that the CEO of Arik, Ilegbodu, stole N22.5 million by fraudulently converting it to the benefit of Magashi Ali Mohammed, a property of Arik Airline Ltd.