‎N15.6bn Fraud: Why EFCC Re-Arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Boss Tunde Ayeni on Fresh Charges ‎ ‎

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, before an Abuja High Court on amended charges alleging the diversion and misappropriation of N15.6 billion in depositors’ funds, with trial set to begin on July 6.
‎
‎Ayeni was re-arraigned on Monday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, on an amended 18-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of funds.
‎
‎At the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed amended charges and additional proof of evidence on June 22, 2026. Defence counsel, Abdul Mohammed, confirmed receipt of the documents.
‎
‎According to the EFCC, Ayeni allegedly diverted depositors’ funds from Skye Bank’s Suspense Account into accounts linked to private companies in 2014, contrary to the bank’s operational guidelines.
‎
‎The Commission further alleged that the transactions resulted in the unlawful diversion of about N15.6 billion belonging to the bank.
‎
‎Ayeni, however, pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts when the charges were read to him.
‎
‎Following the plea, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
‎
‎The former bank chairman was initially arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge before the court. The latest arraignment followed the EFCC’s amendment of the charges and filing of additional evidence in support of its case.
‎
‎