A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo Abuja has ordered the remand of Tunde Ayeni former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc over his alleged involvement in a N15.665 billion fraud case.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17 count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission bordering on criminal breach of trust misappropriation and conversion of investors funds. He pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
Presiding judge Jude Onwuzuruike ruled that the defendant be remanded in Kuje correctional facility pending the hearing of his bail application which has been scheduled for May 13. The court declined a request by defence counsel Ahmed Raji to release the defendant either to his custody or back to the EFCC while awaiting the bail decision.
During proceedings prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho indicated that the anti graft agency would oppose the bail application urging the court to fix a date for trial and maintain the remand order.
According to details of the charges Ayeni allegedly misappropriated billions of naira from depositors funds while serving as chairman of the bank in 2014. The prosecution claims that part of the funds were transferred to private accounts in violation of banking regulations and prudential guidelines.
The case has been adjourned to allow for the hearing of the bail application and further legal proceedings. The development marks a significant step in ongoing efforts by authorities to address high profile financial crimes and reinforce accountability within Nigeria’s banking sector.
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