Ex-Skye Bank chairman arrested over alleged N36bn fraud
Tunde Ayeni, the former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is accused of money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N36.54bn and $30m. The funds were allegedly obtained as loans from Polaris Bank through multiple entities linked to him. The EFCC is currently detaining Ayeni as investigations continue.
What happened
- Tunde Ayeni was arrested by the EFCC in Abuja and is being held at the commission’s facility.
- The arrest is linked to alleged misappropriation and diversion of N36.54bn and $30m obtained from Polaris Bank.
- The loans were reportedly meant for investment projects like marine security, electricity contracts, and estate development but were diverted to NITEL/MTEL asset acquisition through the NATCOM account.
- The EFCC is investigating 12 companies allegedly connected to Ayeni that were used to secure the loans.
- EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details.
