By Bimbo Adeola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), along with four others, for allegedly defrauding Arik Airline of N76 billion and $31.5 million.
The other defendants include Kamilu Omokide, the former Receiver Manager, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s CEO, and Super Bravo Ltd.
They face six counts of theft, abuse of office, and stealing, to which they pleaded not guilty.
Defense counsel for Kuru and Ilegbodu requested bail, citing liberal terms, while the prosecution opposed the applications, arguing there was a high risk of flight.
Justice Mojisola Dada granted bail of N20 million each, requiring one surety with proof of employment and identification.
The defendants must submit their international passports and remain with their counsel until bail conditions are met.
The trial is scheduled to begin on March 17.
The EFCC alleged that Kuru, Omokide, and Ilegbodu fraudulently converted N4.9 billion to their use in 2022 and that Ilegbodu misappropriated N22.5 million belonging to Arik Airline.
