N8bn fraud: Court sends ex-Skye Bank Chairman Ayeni to Kuje prison

The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday remanded the former chairman of the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, in Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his bail application.

The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, gave the order after Ayeni’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), asked for a short date for the defence to move the ball application.

The judge adjourned the case until May 13, 2026, for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Ayeni with 17 counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of about N8 billion.

The businessman, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his not-guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), asked the court for a date for commencement of trial.

Iheanacho also urged the court to remand Ayeni in custody pending commencement of trial.

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

Raji, however, told the court that the defence filed bail application on behalf of Ayeni today (Monday) and served same on the prosecution.

According to him, the charge was served on the defendant by the EFCC on May 1, which was a public holiday.

He urged the court to grant a short adjournment for the bail application to be moved.

Raji informed the court that the renowned businessman was a lawyer of over 35 years practice.

He then appealed to the court to release the defendant, assuring that he would present the defendant in court at the next adjourned date.