Tunde Ayeni faces 18 counts of fraud, diversion arraigned 3 times in 2 months as trial finally kicks off
The EFCC has hauled Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank), back to court for the third time in just two months over an alleged ₦15.6 billion fraud and this time, the trial is set to begin.
Ayeni was re-arraigned Thursday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo on an amended 18-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds.
The alleged dirty deals:
· November 2014: Directed ₦3.1 billion from Skye Bank’s suspense account to Misa Limited (Zenith Bank account)
· December 2014: Moved another ₦5 billion to Greenwich Registrars (Union Bank account)
Both transactions, the EFCC says, violated his contractual duties to the bank contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312.
Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Prosecution insisted it’s ready with witnesses, while Ayeni’s lawyers cried foul over missing witness statements. The judge ruled in the EFCC’s favor, adjourning to July 20, 22, and 23 for trial continuation.
With three arraignments in 60 days, one question lingers: Will this be the case that finally sticks?
