The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc board, over allegations of a N15.6 billion fraud.
Ayeni appeared on Monday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, facing an amended 18-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds.
The anti-graft agency amended its initial 17-count charge after filing additional proof of evidence in the case.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed informed the court that the amended charge and supporting evidence were filed on June 22. Defence counsel Abdul Mohammed confirmed receipt of the documents.
One of the counts alleges that Ayeni, while serving as chairman of the board of Skye Bank in September 2014, allegedly transferred N510 million from a suspense account to Capital Field Investment Group Limited, in breach of the bank’s operational policies.
Another count accuses him of moving N600 million from the same account to Harigold Ventures Limited, domiciled with Sterling Bank.
The prosecution maintains that the funds were part of depositors’ money under his control at the time.
Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts.
Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter until July 6 for commencement of trial.
The case continues as part of ongoing proceedings involving alleged financial misconduct within Nigeria’s banking sector.