EFCC detains Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni over N36.5bn, $30m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former chairman of the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over alleged fraud involving billions of naira and millions of dollars.

It was gathered that Ayeni was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and remains in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

Sources familiar with the probe disclosed that the commission is examining the alleged diversion of about N36.5 billion and $30 million, said to have been sourced as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.

The funds were said to have been obtained for specific projects but later redirected to other uses.

Court fines Natasha N1bn for ‘defaming’ Yahaya Bello

The loans, initially intended for ventures such as marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate development, were allegedly channelled into telecom-related investments tied to assets of NITEL/MTEL via a NATCOM account.

Investigators were also said to be scrutinising about 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni, which were allegedly used to secure the loans.

Ayeni is expected to face charges once the investigation is concluded.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

FG exceeds 2024 borrowing target by N4.79trn as revenue falls short

The Federal Government exceeded its 2024 borrowing target by N4.79tn after a larger-than-expected budget deficit…

3 minutes ago

Alausa urges states to meet requirements for $552m HOPE education fund

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged state governments to fulfil the conditions…

25 minutes ago

FG unveils seven herbal medicines for cancer, hepatitis B, hypertension

The Federal Government has unveiled seven herbal medicines developed from indigenous medicinal plants for the…

28 minutes ago

Tinubu assures bishops of security, economic recovery

President Bola Tinubu has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that his administration…

29 minutes ago

Davido reveals tracklist for ‘Oriade’ album ahead of July 31 release

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, fondly called Davido, has unveiled the official tracklist for his highly…

9 hours ago

Gunmen abduct three FULafia students

Three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have been abducted by gunmen from…

10 hours ago

This website uses cookies.