The trial of the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, over his alleged involvement in a multi-billion Naira fraud case involving Arik Air, yesterday, suffered a setback.
The trial was adjourned again due to the absence of Kuru’s legal counsel, Olasupo Shasore.
The AMCON’s ex-boss is standing trial along with four others on allegations of theft, abuse of office and dishonest conversion of property. The co-defendants include the former Receiver Manager of Arik Air Limited, Mr. Kamilu Omokide; the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Union Bank, and Super Bravo Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged fraudulent transactions involving N76 billion and an additional $31.5 million. The supposed financial improprieties were said to have taken place between 2011 and 2022.
When the case resumed at the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, prosecuting counsel for the anti-graft agency, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), told the court that a commission’s witness was present and ready for further proceedings.
However, the defence lawyer was not in attendance. Instead, Mr. Tunji Ahmed, appearing on behalf of Mr Shasore, presented an application for adjournment dated May 13, 2025, explaining that the lead counsel was out of the country for medical attention.
Shittu acknowledged that Mr Shasore had courteously informed him of his travel for medical treatment, but expressed concern over the delay in proceedings.
“While I sympathise with the learned silk and sincerely wish him a speedy recovery, this case should not suffer endless adjournments. This matter has implications that go beyond private interests. It affects aviation, banking, and public trust in regulatory institutions,” he said.
