EFCC arrests former Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni over alleged N36.5bn, $30m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businessman and former chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over an alleged multi-billion naira fraud.

Sources confirmed that Ayeni was picked up in Abuja on Thursday and is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue.

The anti-graft agency is probing the alleged diversion and misappropriation of funds estimated at N36.5 billion and $30 million, reportedly obtained from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to him.

According to investigators, the funds were originally secured as loans for specific projects, including marine security, electricity distribution contracts, and estate development, but were allegedly diverted to other accounts for unrelated purposes.

Part of the funds is also said to have been channelled into the acquisition of telecom assets linked to NITEL/MTEL through a NATCOM account.

The EFCC is further investigating about 12 companies allegedly connected to Ayeni, which were used to obtain the loans.

He is expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details on the ongoing probe.