Fagbemi denies political influence in withdrawal of Otudeko, Kuru cases

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has dismissed claims that political considerations influenced the federal government’s recent decision to withdraw criminal charges against some prominent Nigerians.

Speaking at the 2025 Ministry of Justice Top Management Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, themed “Repositioning for Digital Transformation,” Fagbemi disclosed the prosecutorial decisions are guided strictly by law and evidence, not sentiments or political pressure.

He specifically addressed cases involving the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru.

On Kuru, the AGF explained that one charge was withdrawn after investigations confirmed that the alleged N20 million transaction was tied to AMCON’s investment and not to him personally. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had also recovered both the principal sum and interest, leaving no basis for prosecution.

However, Fagbemi stressed that not all cases against Kuru had been dropped.
“There is another matter involving about N5 billion linked to another individual. Since a prima facie case was established, that one is continuing,” he said, adding that a separate case relating to Kuru’s management role in Arik Air was also ongoing.

On Otudeko, the AGF explained that charges were withdrawn after complainants voluntarily withdrew their petitions, confirming that their claims had been fully settled.
“If both parties are satisfied, why should the government waste resources on a matter that no longer has a complainant?” he asked.

Otudeko and three others, including former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya and a Honeywell board member, had faced allegations of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion from First Bank through credit facilities for two companies.

Fagbemi firmly denied suggestions that his office acted under pressure from President Bola Tinubu.
“What has the president got to do with this? It’s a criminal case. The Attorney-General has been put in place to act in line with the law, not sentiments. Prosecution must not be weaponised,” he said.

He cautioned against turning criminal trials into “theatres of spectacle,” stressing that the government would not pursue cases that lack legal foundation.