AGF Dismisses Political Motive in Withdrawal of AMCON Ex‑MD Ahmed Kuru’s Case, Cites Need for Airtight Criminal Prosecution
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has dismissed suggestions of political influence in the recent withdrawal of criminal charges against former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru.
Fagbemi emphasised that the decision was guided strictly by legal considerations, devoid of sentiment or emotion, noting that in criminal prosecutions, “you must not leave gaps.” He maintained that the withdrawal was based on the absence of any evidence linking Kuru personally to the alleged offence.
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, had struck out the ₦60 billion fraud case following the Federal Government’s notice of discontinuance. The notice, dated 24 July 2025, was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Federal Ministry of Justice’s Top Management Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Fagbemi explained that the matter involved an investment in the name of AMCON, not in any individual’s name. He added that both the principal sum and interest had been recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The AGF clarified that while the charges in this particular case were withdrawn, other matters remain active. He cited a separate ₦5 billion case involving another individual, which is proceeding because a prima facie case was established. He also confirmed that another case against Kuru, relating to his role in Arik Air, is ongoing as there are “questions to be answered.”
Fagbemi used the opportunity to caution against “weaponising prosecution,” stressing that the rule of law demands that each case be treated on its own merit. He warned against turning the courts into “theatres of spectacle” and reiterated that if a case is not made out, it should not proceed, so as not to waste government resources.
He further denied any involvement of the President in the decision, rejecting insinuations that the withdrawal was to protect political allies. “What has the President got to do with this one? It’s a criminal case. The Attorney General has been put in place, and we are doing what we believe is the appropriate step,” he stated.
On the independence of anti‑graft agencies, Fagbemi affirmed that the Ministry of Justice does not interfere with their investigative processes. He explained that the agencies are best placed to conduct inquiries into alleged offences, and that the Ministry only reviews their reports at the conclusion of investigations to determine the appropriate legal action.
