Alleged N15.3bn fraud: EFCC re-arraigns Ayeni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has re-arraigned, a former Chairman of defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni, earlier than Justice H. Mu’azu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), High Court, Maitama, for an alleged N15,391,093,665.00 (Fifteen billion, 300 and ninety-one million, ninety-three thousand, and 600 and sixty-five naira) fraud.

A press assertion by the EFCC Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Friday in Abuja, mentioned the previous financial institution boss was re- arraigned on an present 18-count cost.

Hw mentioned the Commission is prosecuting him on 18-count costs bordering on prison breach of belief, misappropriation, and diversion of funds to the tune of N15.3 billion.

The Spokesperson famous rhat the re-arraignment earlier than Justice Mu’azu adopted the switch of the case from Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, earlier than whom Ayeni had beforehand been arraigned.

Count eight reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on or about the 20th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye Bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion one hundred and thirteen million five hundred and forty three rhousand six hundred and sixty five naira forty two kobo (N3,113,543,665.42) by directing the transfer of same to Misa Limited’s account No:1011295717, domiciled with Zenith Bank in violation of your contract with the defunct Skye Bank Plc and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under section 312 of same Act,” the assertion learn partly.

It additional famous that, depend 9 reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited) on or about the 2nd of December, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye Bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five billion, seventy eight million, five hundred and fifty thousand naira (N5,078,550,000) by directing the transfer of same to Greenwich Registrar’s account No:0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of your contract with the defunct Skye Bank Plc and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under section 312 of same Act.”

Oyewale mentioned the defendant pleaded “not guilty” when the fees have been learn to him. Following his plea, Prosecution Counsel, Abba Muhammed (SAN), requested a trial date. However, Defence Counsel, E. Inegedu (SAN), appealed to the court docket to keep up the bail circumstances beforehand granted the defendant in May, 2026.

Inegedu informed the court docket that the defendant had persistently attended proceedings and had not breached the phrases of his bail, together with the requirement to submit his worldwide passport and supply sureties.

Responding, the prosecution counsel mentioned he would depart the difficulty of bail to the discretion of the court docket.

Both events additionally acknowledged that the defendant had persistently attended court docket with none reported breach of his bail circumstances.

 Justice Mu’azu subsequently adjourned the case till January 19, 2027, for graduation of trial.