The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has admitted documents containing resolutions of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Board as evidence in the ongoing criminal trial involving the corporation’s former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Kuru, and others over the receivership of Arik Air.
The proceedings resumed on Monday, October 26, 2026, before Justice Mojisola Dada, with the fourth prosecution witness, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, continuing his cross-examination.
During questioning, the witness maintained that Kuru, in his capacity as AMCON’s Managing Director and CEO, possessed unfettered powers and had unilaterally sanctioned the appointment of a receiver for Arik Air.
In response, counsel to the second defendant, Uyi Giwa-Osagie, tendered AMCON Board resolutions in an effort to challenge the witness’s account and establish that the decision regarding the airline’s receivership was a corporate decision rather than an action taken solely by Kuru.
The prosecution objected to the admission of the documents, questioning their relevance to the proceedings and arguing that they were too remote to be considered by the court.
However, Giwa-Osagie submitted that the second defendant was not standing trial over the propriety of the power to appoint a receiver but over other allegations contained in the charge sheet. He argued that the documents were relevant to the issues before the court and could help establish his client’s defence.
The defence counsel also maintained that the documents were public records being tendered from the Bar.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Dada ruled in favour of admitting the documents, holding that they were relevant to the proceedings. The court noted that the resolutions emanated from AMCON’s Board as a corporate body and had been duly certified in accordance with Section 104 of the Evidence Act.
The ruling marks a significant development in the proceedings, as the admitted documents will form part of the evidence available to the court in considering the defence’s position on the circumstances surrounding Arik Air’s receivership.
The case arose from a petition filed by senior advocate Femi Falana on behalf of the promoters and shareholders of Arik Air, following which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instituted criminal proceedings against Kuru and other defendants.
Those facing trial alongside Kuru include Kamilu Omokide, a former receiver-manager of Arik Air Limited; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s chief executive officer; Union Bank Limited; and Super Bravo Limited.
Proceedings are scheduled to continue on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
