AGF Fagbemi Dismisses Claims of Political Interference, Explains Withdrawal of Fraud Cases Against Otudeko, Kuru and Others

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Admin Josh

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August 22, 2025

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has dismissed speculations of political interference in the federal government’s recent withdrawal of charges against certain high-profile Nigerians.

Speaking at the Ministry of Justice Top Management Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Fagbemi cited the cases involving Honeywell Group Chairman Dr. Oba Otudeko and former AMCON Managing Director Ahmed Kuru as examples where legal decisions were based strictly on merit.

The EFCC had earlier filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko and three others, accusing them of conspiring to fraudulently obtain N12.3 billion in credit facilities from First Bank. However, Fagbemi explained that First Bank later withdrew its complaint after recovering what was allegedly lost, making prosecution unnecessary.

On Kuru’s case, the minister clarified that one of the charges was linked to an AMCON investment of about N20 million, which had already been fully recovered by the EFCC. Since the transaction was not in Kuru’s personal name, the AGF stressed that there was no offence to prosecute. He, however, confirmed that two other cases against Kuru, including one tied to Arik Air, would proceed as there was evidence suggesting a prima facie case.

He also addressed the withdrawal of charges against Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali Ikpe, noting that the allegations predated her tenure. Prosecuting her, he said, would have been unjust as there was no personal culpability.

Fagbemi firmly rejected suggestions that President Bola Tinubu influenced the decision to drop charges for allies of the government. According to him, prosecutions cannot be weaponised or turned into political spectacles, and each case must be judged on its merit.

The AGF emphasized that the Ministry of Justice remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring fair trials, and avoiding waste of government resources on cases without substance.

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