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 High Court in Apo, Abuja, over allegations of fraud involving N15.6 billion.
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‎Ayeni appeared before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday to answer an amended 18-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, diversion, and misappropriation of funds.
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‎According to the anti-graft agency, the fresh arraignment followed the filing of additional evidence and an amended charge sheet by the prosecution.
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‎During the court session, EFCC counsel Abba Muhammed informed the court that the amended charges and supplementary proof of evidence were submitted on June 22, 2026. Defence lawyer Abdul Mohammed confirmed receipt of the new documents.
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‎Among the allegations is a claim that Ayeni, while serving as chairman of Skye Bank’s board in September 2014, unlawfully transferred N510 million from the bank’s suspense account—funds belonging to depositors—to an account linked to Capital Field Investment Group Limited.
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‎The commission further alleged that the transaction breached the bank’s operational guidelines and constituted criminal breach of trust under the Penal Code.
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‎Another charge accuses Ayeni of diverting N600 million from the same suspense account days later, allegedly transferring the money to Harigold Ventures Limited through an account domiciled with Sterling Bank.
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‎The EFCC maintains that both transactions violated internal banking policies and amounted to offences punishable under relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
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‎Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts after they were read in court.
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‎The former bank chief had initially been arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge before the prosecution amended its case.
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‎Following his plea, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned proceedings until July 6, 2026, when trial is expected to commence.
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