Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has re-arraigned former Skye Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni over an alleged N15.6 billion fraud, escalating a high-profile case involving accusations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of depositors’ funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday brought Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on an amended 18-count charge, expanding the allegations initially filed against the former banking executive.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed informed the court that the amended charge and additional proof of evidence had been filed on June 22, 2026. Defence counsel Abdul Mohammed confirmed that the documents had been received.
According to the anti-corruption agency, Ayeni allegedly diverted depositors’ funds from Skye Bank Plc’s Suspense Account into accounts linked to private companies in 2014, an action it said contravened the bank’s operational policies.
Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, when the trial is expected to commence.
The former bank chairman was first arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge before prosecutors amended the case to include an additional count.
