Former Skye Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni arrested over N36.54bn and $30m fraud allegations
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc and a businessman, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in Abuja. He is being held at the commission's facility in connection with alleged money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N36.54 billion and $30 million. The arrest follows an EFCC investigation into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds obtained from Polaris Bank through various entities linked to Ayeni. These funds were reportedly secured as loans for specific investment projects, including marine security activities, an electricity distribution contract, and estate development. However, investigations indicate that the loans were allegedly diverted to the NITEL/MTEL asset acquisition via a NATCOM account. The EFCC is currently investigating 12 companies reportedly linked to Ayeni, which were allegedly used to obtain these loans from Polaris Bank. An EFCC source stated that these loans, described as depositors' funds, were fraudulently obtained and used for various purposes. Ayeni is expected to be arraigned following the conclusion of investigations. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details.
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