Proceedings in the ongoing trial of Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and four others were temporarily stalled on Monday at the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
Justice Mojisola Dada was compelled to adjourn the matter following the absence of senior advocate Mr. Olasupo Shasore, counsel to the second defendant, who was scheduled to continue the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Mr. Austen Obigwe.
Kuru and his co-defendants are standing trial on allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which accused them of fraudulently diverting N76 billion and $31.5 million from Arik Air.
Others defendants include Kamilu Omokide, former receiver manager of Arik Air; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, current CEO of the airline; Union Bank of Nigeria; and Super Bravo Limited.
At Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, informed the court that the day was slated for continued cross-examination of the witness.
He raised concerns about the intentional delay of the trial, noting that Mr. Shashore had contacted him about his travel.
Shittu also acknowledged receipt of a letter from the counsel dated May 13, 2025.
T.T. Ahmed, holding brief for Shashore, formally requested an adjournment, citing the senior counsel’s unavailability.
But Dr. Shittu criticised what he described as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the judicial process.
He said, “It is therefore the duty of the court and all parties in the criminal trial to ensure that trials are not unnecessarily delayed. I intend to put it on record—this strong protest. The duty of a counsel is not just to appear but to take over. This is a matter of serious and international importance.”
Shittu urged the court to either order the close of the defence’s cross-examination or treat the application for adjournment as the final indulgence granted to the absent counsel.
Adding his voice, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, said that the matter of adjournment was an understanding between both senior counsel, advocating that Shashore be allowed to conclude what he began.
After listening to the arguments, Justice Dada adjourned further hearing to May 28, June 30, July 1 and 2, 2025.
