By Femi Akinwami
An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday admitted a petition and 39 annexures as evidence in the ongoing trial of former Ahmed Kuru amcon md”], former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), over an alleged fraud involving N76 billion and $31.5 million.Alleged $25.5m debt: Court freezes account of Green Energy, Lekoil
Kuru and his co-defendants, including Kamilu Omokide, receiver-manager of Arik Air; Roy Ilegbodu, Managing Director of Arik Air; Union Bank Plc; and Super Bravo Ltd., are facing charges of conspiracy, abuse of office, and making false statements in connection with the alleged fraudulent conversion of assets of the defunct Arik Air Ltd.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), called the fourth witness, Mr. Bawa Kaltungo, an assistant director with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who narrated how the investigation was conducted and documents recovered.
The court admitted the bundle of documents as exhibits.
Kaltungo told the court that Omokide had petitioned the Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, alleging harassment and requesting that the investigation be halted.Reps give REA MD 24-hour ultimatum over N151bn, $550m expenditures
The petition, which contained 39 attachments and a legal opinion signed by the solicitor-general, was received by the EFCC investigative team but did not stop the probe.
The witness explained that the investigation extended to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where a Certified True Copy of a meeting and resolution to appoint a receiver-manager for Arik Air was obtained. Key officials present included former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and other deputy governors, alongside Kuru and other directors.
Kaltungo said the CBN had intervened due to the deteriorating state of Arik Air, which carried 60 per cent of passenger traffic and risked collapse within two weeks.
The investigation also revealed that Arik Air’s funds were diverted to pay Umza Airline’s insurance, a development partially repaid by Umza Aviation Services.
When the prosecution sought to tender the Certified True Copy of the insurance certificate, the defence counsel, including Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo (SAN), Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), and Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), objected, arguing it was not mentioned in the original six-count charge.
Justice Mojisola Dada ruled the document inadmissible, noting it was not included in the existing charge, and adjourned the trial until February 26 for continuation.
