Why we withdrew case against Ex-AMCON MD – FG

The Federal Government has explained the reasons behind its decision to withdraw the criminal case against Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the case lacked merit, stressing that Kuru was not connected to the allegations. […]

The Federal Government has explained the reasons behind its decision to withdraw the criminal case against Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the case lacked merit, stressing that Kuru was not connected to the allegations.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo during a top management retreat for the Ministry of Justice, Fagbemi dismissed insinuations that the withdrawal was politically motivated.

“In the case of Ahmed Kuru, what happened was that he was not connected; there was nothing to try him for. What was involved was an investment in the name of AMCON, in the sum of about, I think, N20 million. Both the principal and the interest were recovered by the EFCC. It was not in any individual’s name. So, what offence has been committed?” Fagbemi asked.

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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, had earlier struck out the N60 billion fraud case against Kuru following the federal government’s decision to discontinue the matter.

The withdrawal was effected through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar, who filed a notice of discontinuance dated July 24, 2025.

The minister also clarified that the case against the former Chairman of First Bank, Oba Otudeko, was withdrawn because the complainants themselves had withdrawn their petition.

According to him, it would have been a waste of government resources to pursue a case that no longer had a valid complaint.

Fagbemi absolved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of any interference in high-profile criminal cases, stating that he was under no pressure from the president or anyone else.

He said criminal cases are decided strictly on merit.

He further denied any interference in the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), noting that both agencies remain independent and constitutionally empowered to carry out their mandates.

“We don’t interfere in their investigations. When they finish with their investigations, we look at the report and take appropriate action. So, it is at the stage of investigation that a great deal of issues will come in.

“What you do is leave them because they are best suited and well organised to handle investigations regarding an allegation or commission of a crime.

“When they are done with their investigation, you take it up from there and determine whether there are gaps or further issues to be examined. If not, you take a decision based on the report presented before you.

“So, we give them their liberty, and the Constitution also guarantees it,” he said.