EFCC Arrests Ex-Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, over Alleged N36Bn, $30M Fraud Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businessman and former Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over allegations of large-scale financial misconduct involving about N36.5 billion and $30 million.

Ayeni was reportedly picked up in Abuja on Thursday and is currently being held in EFCC custody as investigators continue to interrogate him over the alleged fraud.

According to preliminary findings, the anti-graft agency is probing allegations that the funds, reportedly linked to facilities from Polaris Bank Plc, were diverted through multiple companies allegedly associated with the former bank chief.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but said details of the investigation remain confidential, stressing that the matter is still at an early stage.

Ayeni, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banking sector, previously served as Chairman of Skye Bank before its collapse and subsequent takeover by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which led to the creation of Polaris Bank.

The current case is one of the largest probes involving the former bank executive in recent years and reflects ongoing scrutiny of transactions linked to the restructuring of Skye Bank and the transition to Polaris Bank.