The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over an alleged ₦15.6 billion fraud.
Ayeni appeared before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday on an amended 18-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and the alleged diversion of depositors’ funds.
The anti-graft agency said the fresh arraignment followed the filing of additional evidence and an amended charge to strengthen its case against the former bank chairman.
EFCC Presents Fresh Evidence
During the court proceedings, EFCC’s lead prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), informed the court that the amended charges and additional proof of evidence were filed on June 22, 2026.
Counsel to the defendant, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), confirmed that the defence had received the amended charges before the hearing.
Alleged Diversion of Depositors’ Funds
According to the amended charge, Ayeni allegedly diverted ₦510 million from the defunct Skye Bank’s Suspense Account on September 18, 2014, transferring the funds to an account belonging to Capital Field Investment Group Limited in violation of the bank’s operational guidelines.
The EFCC further alleged that just five days later, on September 23, 2014, Ayeni unlawfully transferred another ₦600 million from the same account to Harigold Ventures Limited, whose account was domiciled with Sterling Bank.
The anti-corruption agency maintains that the transactions constituted criminal breach of trust and violated the provisions of the Penal Code governing the management of depositors’ funds.
Ayeni Pleads Not Guilty
When the amended 18-count charge was read before the court, Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The former bank chairman was initially arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge before the EFCC filed additional evidence leading to the fresh arraignment.
Trial Set to Begin in July
After hearing from both parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case until July 6, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on alleged financial crimes involving former bank executives and public officials.
If convicted, Ayeni could face severe penalties under Nigeria’s criminal laws governing financial misconduct and breach of trust.
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