Arik Air Rubbishes N120bn Fraud Allegation Against AMCON Official

Arik Air Limited says the N120 billion fraud allegations against its receiver manager appointed by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) are “patently false”.

On Saturday, media reports had said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Omokide Kamilu, receiver-manager for Arik Air, over alleged misappropriation and diversion of about N120 billion.

The airline, clarifying the issues in a statement on Sunday, said Kamilu was “unjustifiably linked” to the report which presents a warped narrative of the responsibilities of the receiver manager.

According to Arik, the commission’s investigation followed a petition by Femi Falana human rights lawyer, who is a solicitor to Arik Nigeria Limited, and instigated by Arumemi Johnson, the majority shareholder in Arik, “which owes AMCON about ₦240 billion as at May 31, 2023”.

The air transport company said “Arumemi Johnson guaranteed, and therefore is by law an obligor in respect of this indebtedness and is personally liable for them”.

“The wild allegations of the misappropriation of N120 billion in the petition are manifestly and patently false and amount to no more than well-concocted lies as part of a deliberate campaign of calumny against the receiver manager intentionally presents a disingenuous and deceptive portrayal of actions which are the typical responsibilities and actions of a receiver/manager – falsely implying criminal intent,” the statement reads.

“The reality is very different: it is instead that the receiver manager seeks only to recover for the Nigerian people, monies owed to them by this recalcitrant debtor.

“The receiver manager has been transparent in his dealings in Arik. The petition, as has been presented in the media, suggests underhand sales of assets, including a number of CRJ aircraft. These aircraft were never owned by Arik. They were simply leased by Arik.”