Lagos Court Rejects Key EFCC Documents in Arik Air Fraud Case
A Lagos Special Offences Court has rejected two key documents presented by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing fraud trial involving former AMCON managing director Ahmed Kuru and four others accused of defrauding Arik Air of NGN76 billion (USD49.5 million) and USD31.5 million.
The first document, submitted by EFCC witness Augustine Obikwe, was dismissed by the court because the witness was not part of the original investigative team and was therefore not authorized to certify the document. The second rejected item was a report from a stakeholders’ meeting held in London. The court ruled it inadmissible due to questions surrounding its authenticity and lack of proper certification.
The court’s decision marks a setback for the EFCC in a high-profile case that continues to draw attention within Nigeria’s aviation and financial sectors.
Co-defendants in the case include Arik Air’s former receiver manager Kamilu Omokide, current CEO Roy Ilegbodu, and a company named Super Bravo Ltd. All five defendants are facing six charges, including theft and abuse of office.
The accused have pleaded not guilty and are currently free on bail, set at NGN20 million (USD13,000) each. The trial is ongoing, with further hearings expected as the court reviews remaining evidence and testimony.
The case centers on the alleged misappropriation of funds and misuse of assets related to Arik Air, one of Nigeria’s largest carriers, which had been under AMCON management during a period of financial distress.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com