Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court has reversed the bench warrant issued against former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Ahmed Kuru.
The judge had issued the bench warrant last week following Kuru’s failure to appear in court in an alleged fraud case involving N76bn and $31.5m.
Kuru, alongside four others, faces charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused them of theft, abuse of office, false statements, and dishonest misappropriation of Arik Airline assets.
The co-defendants are Kamilu Omokide, former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of the airline; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd.
The bench warrant, issued on December 3, 2024, was lifted on Thursday after Kuru appeared in court and his lawyer, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), filed a motion requesting its revocation.
Justice Dada granted the application, emphasising the absence of objections from the EFCC prosecution team.
“In view of the attendance of the second defendant in court and the undertaking signed by his counsel to ensure his presence at all times, the application is granted, and the bench warrant is set aside,” Justice Dada ruled.
The court adjourned the case to January 20, 2025, the date originally scheduled for arraignment.
Shasore assured the court of his client’s commitment to attending all future court sessions.
“We undertake to ensure that the second defendant will be available for arraignment and trial as required,” he stated.
EFCC counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), did not oppose the motion, citing the undertaking by Kuru’s lawyer.
“We are not objecting to the application since the learned silk has assured the court that the second defendant will be available for arraignment on January 20, 2025. We are satisfied with the undertaking,” Shittu affirmed.
