The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former Chairman of defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni, before Justice H. Mu’azu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, for an alleged N15.3 billion fraud.
The commission is prosecuting him on 18-count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds.
The re-arraignment before Mu’azu followed the transfer of the case from Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, Apo, before whom Ayeni had previously been arraigned.
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, requested a trial date.
However, defence counsel, E. Inegedu, SAN, appealed to the court to maintain the bail conditions previously granted the defendant in May, 2026.
Inegedu told the court that the defendant had consistently attended proceedings and had not breached the terms of his bail, including the requirement to submit his international passport and provide sureties.
Responding, the prosecution counsel said he would leave the issue of bail to the discretion of the court.
Both parties also acknowledged that the defendant had consistently attended court without any reported breach of his bail conditions.
Mu’azu subsequently adjourned the case until January 19, 2027, for commencement of trial.
