A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the criminal case against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, following the withdrawal of charges by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Naijaonpoint reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi, who presided over the matter on Monday, granted the application to discontinue the case, which the AGF filed on July 24.

Kuru was arraigned on February 11 on a six-count amended charge, which borders on conspiracy, theft, and the transfer of property derived from an illegal act. He pleaded not guilty.

On the same day, Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited, initially a co-defendant, pleaded guilty and was convicted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that ₦20bn belonging to AMCON was diverted through Heritage Bank for the benefit of Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited, which allegedly used the funds to acquire Keystone Bank.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that Nigerian criminal law gives the prosecution the discretion to withdraw charges at any stage before judgment.

“It is well established in criminal jurisprudence that the prosecution possesses the prerogative to withdraw from the prosecution of any matter at any stage of the proceedings,” he said.

The judge discharged Kuru under Section 73(1)(i) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, and Section 108(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Justice Oshodi also ordered the release of Kuru’s travel documents, discharged his sureties, and struck out the case.

“The bond entered on behalf of the defendant is hereby discharged, and his sureties are released from their obligations thereunder.

“Concomitantly, the notice to the Nigerian Immigration Service regarding the withholding of the defendant’s passport shall cease to have effect, and the defendant’s travel documents are hereby released,” the judge ruled.