LunagisthubNigeria’s Anti-Corruption Campaign Sidelined: AGF Fagbemi’s U-Turn on N20 Billion Fraud Case Raises Eyebrows
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the center of a brewing controversy after the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, discontinued a high-profile corruption case against Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Kuru was facing charges for allegedly diverting N20 billion in public funds .
Kuru was accused of diverting N20 billion from AMCON through Heritage Bank for the benefit of Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited, which allegedly used the funds to acquire Keystone Bank.
The EFCC had already secured a conviction against Kuru’s co-conspirator and recovered N6 billion of the stolen funds.
Sources claim the EFCC had built a strong case with clear evidence, making it one of the most watertight cases in Nigeria’s anti-corruption history.
The EFCC was neither consulted nor supportive when AGF Fagbemi moved to withdraw charges against Kuru, effectively derailing ongoing proceedings.
Sources argue that discontinuing the case without explanation is a major blow to the anti-corruption campaign, potentially sending a dangerous signal to perpetrators of financial crimes.
Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s attempts to discontinue the case were strongly resisted by EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, highlighting the tension surrounding high-stakes corruption cases.
The decision may undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and the government’s commitment to fighting financial crimes.
The EFCC’s apparent lack of cooperation with the AGF on this case raises questions about the agency’s autonomy and effectiveness in pursuing corruption cases.The AGF’s decision has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to the war against corruption, potentially emboldening those who would seek to exploit Nigeria’s financial systems.
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