The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), alongside other defendants, including Kamilu Omokide (former Receiver Manager of Arik Air), Captain Roy Ilegbodu (Arik Air CEO), Union Bank Plc, and Super Bravo Ltd.
The arraignment, disclosed in an EFCC statement on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), followed a petition filed by Femi Falana (SAN) on behalf of Arik Air founder Johnson Arumemi and the airline’s shareholders. The defendants pleaded not guilty to six-count charges related to theft of Arik Air assets and abuse of office.
The charges stem from allegations that Union Bank provided false information to AMCON regarding Arik Air’s loans, leading to the fraudulent transfer of N71 billion to AMCON.
Furthermore, Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu are accused of:
* Stealing and misappropriating N4.9 billion belonging to Arik Air for the benefit of NG Eagle Limited.
* Illegally incorporating NG Eagle Limited for personal gain.
* Authorizing the destruction of an Arik Air aircraft valued at $31.5 million.
Summary:
The EFCC has charged former AMCON boss Ahmed Kuru and other individuals, including Arik Air officials and Union Bank, with various financial crimes. The charges include:
* Providing false information to AMCON regarding Arik Air loans, resulting in a fraudulent transfer of N71 billion.
* Stealing and misappropriating N4.9 billion from Arik Air.
* Illegally incorporating a company for personal gain.
* Authorizing the destruction of an Arik Air aircraft.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.