Trial Of EFCC vs Union Bank, Ex-AMCON CEO, Others To Continue December 8
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, presented before the court Mr Bawa Usman Kaltungo as the fourth witness in the ongoing legal battle between the EFCC vs the ex-AMCON MD/CEO, Ahmed Kuru, Kamilu Omokide, a former receiver manager of Arik Air Ltd; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Arik Air’s CEO, Union Bank Ltd, and Super Bravo Ltd. Kaltungo was led in evidence by Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN).
Also in court on Friday were the defence counsels, including Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN – (1st & 3rd defendants), Mr Olasupo Shasore, SAN (for the second defendant); Mr Olalekan Ojo, SAN (for the fourth defendant); as well as Paul Ngbuoma, Emmanuel Kolajo & Esther Bawa (5th defendant).
Testifying before Justice Dada in the ongoing trial, Kaltungo, who introduced himself as the Acting Director of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Office, said he led the team of EFCC investigators upon receipt of a petition from the shareholders of Arik through Femi Falana, SAN. Kaltungo told the court that during his investigation, he and his team found out that the loans, which were previously performing, were transferred to AMCON “without justification”, thereby worsening Arik Air’s financial crisis.
He also claimed under oath that Union Bank had no evidence of disbursing N71 billion to the airline, claiming that the figure sold to AMCON by Union Bank was fictitious. He said Union Bank merely guaranteed foreign loans obtained by Arik Air, many of which were performing until they were converted into local obligations without consultation with the airline.
After the extremely lengthy testimony, which left the court with no time to proceed with cross-examination by the defence counsels, Justice Dada adjourned the trial for continuation on December 8, 2025, and February 26 –27, 2026.