ABUJA, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly detained Kamilu Omokide, the Receiver Manager appointed for Arik Nigeria Limited by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, over alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds amounting to approximately N120 billion.
Captain Samuel Caulcrick was also detained in connection to the alleged illicit sale and dismantling of a $41 million CRJ 1000 aircraft, formerly operated by Arik Air.
Documents acquired on Friday, June 16, 2023, by journalists indicate that the arrests were prompted by a petition filed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who is currently representing Arik Nigeria Limited.
The petition outlines allegations of financial fraud and asset sales worth over N120 billion.
Dated April 27, 2023, the petition addressed to the EFCC Chairman read: “We are solicitors to Arik Nigeria Limited (hereinafter referred to as “our client”), on whose behalf and specific instructions we write you.
Our client operates an airline in the aviation industry by offering air transportation services for passengers and cargo in Nigeria and has been in business since 2006.
“In compliance with an ex parte order of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria appointed a receiver manager to manage our client’s assets due to its financial obligation to some banks.
“Pursuant to the said ex parte order, the said receiver manager has been overseeing the affairs of our client’s assets pursuant from 2017 to date.
In the course of running the airline business the receiver has engaged in financial mismanagement, diversion of monies, sales of assets and misappropriation of funds belonging to Arik Airline.”
The petition went on to enumerate the details of the alleged financial misconduct, including the diversion of funds, sale of assets, and misappropriation of finances.
