The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has granted former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, permission to travel overseas for urgent medical attention.
Justice Mojisola Dada, in her ruling on Monday, ordered the immediate release of Kuru’s international passport to facilitate his travel to London, United Kingdom, for treatment. While the specific medical condition was not disclosed, Kuru’s counsel, Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya (SAN designate), stressed that the application was filed under “extreme urgency” due to health concerns.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Senior Advocate Wahab Shittu, did not oppose the travel request. However, Shittu raised concerns over an intelligence report alleging attempts by some of the defendants to dispose of Arik Air’s aircraft, which are central to the ongoing fraud case. He urged the court to maintain the status quo and ensure assets linked to the case are preserved.
Badejo-Okusanya, representing Kuru, clarified that the EFCC’s concerns did not implicate her client and argued that his travel request had no connection with the alleged aircraft sale. Similarly, counsel to Union Bank of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), dismissed the EFCC’s alarm as speculative, insisting no evidence was presented before the court.
After considering arguments from all parties, Justice Dada granted Kuru’s application, stating that no official documents supporting the EFCC’s claims were before the court to warrant restraining orders.
Kuru, alongside former Arik Air Receiver Manager Kamilu Omokide, Arik CEO Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, and Super Bravo Limited, faces a six-count charge filed by the EFCC. The charges border on conspiracy, theft, abuse of office, and alleged fraud amounting to N76 billion and $31.5 million.
The defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in January 2025 and were granted bail of N20 million each. Their international passports were earlier submitted to the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.
The EFCC accuses the defendants of mismanaging Arik Air’s assets, fraudulent conversion of funds, and unauthorized destruction of aircraft valued at millions of dollars. The alleged offences are said to violate several sections of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.
