N15.6bn fraud: EFCC re-arraigns former Skye Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni

The 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.

Ayeni appeared before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo on Monday, where he was presented with an amended 18-count charge.

The charges filed against the former bank chairman include alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of funds.

The EFCC had initially arraigned Ayeni on May 4 on a 17-count charge. However, the anti-graft agency later amended the charges, increasing the count to 18 before bringing him back to court for re-arraignment.

The anti-graft agency amended the charge after filing additional proof of evidence in the case.

At Monday’s proceedings, Abba Mohammed, counsel to the EFCC, informed the court that the amended charge and additional proof of evidence were filed on June 22.

Responding, Abdul Mohammed, counsel to Ayeni, confirmed receipt of the amended charge.

One of the counts alleges that Ayeni, while serving as chairman of the board of Skye Bank in September 2014, dishonestly transferred N510 million from the bank’s suspense account to an account belonging to Capital Field Investment Group Limited.

The EFCC said the transaction was carried out in violation of the bank’s operational policy manual and amounted to criminal breach of trust.

In another count, the commission alleged that Ayeni transferred N600 million from the same suspense account to an account belonging to Harigold Ventures Limited domiciled with Sterling Bank.

The prosecution said the funds formed part of depositors’ money under Ayeni’s control as chairman of the bank’s board.

Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts when they were read to him.

Following his plea, Onwuegbuzie adjourned commencement of trial to July 6.

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