The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged N15.6 billion fraud.
Ayeni was brought before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday on an amended 18-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of depositors’ funds.
The anti-graft agency said the fresh arraignment followed the filing of additional proof of evidence and an amended charge sheet.
At the proceedings, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), informed the court that the amended charge and supporting documents were filed on June 22, 2026. Defence counsel, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), confirmed that the documents had been served on the defence team.
One of the charges alleged that Ayeni unlawfully transferred N510 million from a suspense account belonging to the defunct Skye Bank to an account operated by Capital Field Investment Group Limited.
According to the charge, Ayeni allegedly “committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Hundred and Ten Million Naira (N510,000,000) by transferring same to Capital Field Investment Group Limited’s account” in violation of the bank’s operational policy manual.
The EFCC also accused the former bank chairman of allegedly transferring N600 million from the same suspense account to Harigold Ventures Limited.
The charge stated that Ayeni allegedly “dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Six Hundred Million Naira (N600,000,000) by transferring same to Harigold Ventures Limited’s account” contrary to the provisions of the Penal Code.
The Commission maintains that the alleged transactions formed part of a wider scheme involving the misappropriation and diversion of funds totaling N15.6 billion.
Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts when they were read before the court.
The former Skye Bank chairman was initially arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge before the EFCC amended the charges and filed additional evidence.
Following his plea, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case until July 6, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The court is expected to hear evidence from the prosecution as the trial begins.