\n\nThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over an alleged N15.6 billion fraud involving accusations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds.
Ayeni was brought before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo on Monday, following an amendment to the charges initially filed against him by the anti-graft agency.
The former bank chairman was re-arraigned on an amended 18-count charge after the EFCC submitted additional evidence to support its case. He was initially arraigned on a 17-count charge on May 4.
During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, informed the court that the amended charge and additional proof of evidence had been filed on June 22, confirming that the prosecution had expanded its case against the defendant.
Counsel to Ayeni, Abdul Mohammed, acknowledged receipt of the amended charge and the accompanying documents.
The EFCC alleged that some of the offences occurred while Ayeni was serving as chairman of the board of Skye Bank. One of the counts accused him of unlawfully transferring N510 million from the bank’s suspense account to an account belonging to Capital Field Investment Group Limited in September 2014.
According to the commission, the transaction was carried out in violation of the bank’s operational policy manual and amounted to a breach of trust involving funds under Ayeni’s control.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that another N600 million was transferred from the same suspense account to Harigold Ventures Limited’s account domiciled with Sterling Bank.
The EFCC claimed that the funds involved were part of depositors’ money entrusted to Ayeni in his capacity as chairman of the bank’s board.
After the amended 18-count charge was read to him in court, Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
The development means the former bank executive will now face trial on the expanded charges as the EFCC continues its prosecution over the alleged financial offences.
The case forms part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to investigate and prosecute alleged financial misconduct involving individuals who previously held leadership positions in major financial institutions.
