Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has struck out the N60bn fraud case against former AMCON Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru, after the Federal Government withdrew the charges.
The withdrawal, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, followed months without trial commencement since Kuru’s February arraignment on allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and transferring illicit funds.
His co-defendant, Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited, had earlier pleaded guilty under a plea bargain, leading to the forfeiture of 6.3 billion Keystone Bank shares to the Federal Government.
Granting the application, Justice Oshodi upheld the prosecution’s right to withdraw charges at any stage, discharged Kuru under relevant criminal procedure laws, and ordered the release of his sureties, lifting of travel restrictions, and return of his passport.
The EFCC had alleged that N20bn of AMCON funds was diverted through Heritage Bank to acquire Keystone Bank, with another N20bn transferred to conceal its source, implicating Kuru and fugitive ex-Heritage Bank boss Ifie Sekibo.