EFCC Opens Case Against Former Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni
Tunde Ayeni appeared in court as the EFCC opened its case with the testimony of its first prosecution witness.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun presenting evidence against former Skye Bank Plc Board Chairman Tunde Ayeni in his ongoing trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The case is before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the FCT High Court, Apo, where Tunde Ayeni faces an amended 18-count charge involving alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of ₦15.6 billion. The EFCC alleges that the offences relate to the unlawful handling of the funds.
At Monday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Abba Muhammed (SAN), presented its first witness as the trial formally moved into the evidence stage. The witness, Remigus Ugwu, introduced himself to the court as a staff member of Zenith Bank before giving his testimony.
The anti-graft agency first arraigned Tunde Ayeni on 4 May 2026 on a 17-count charge. However, the EFCC later filed an amended charge together with additional proof of evidence, leading to his re-arraignment on 22 June 2026. The revised filing increased the number of counts from 17 to 18 while maintaining allegations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of ₦15.6 billion.
After hearing the brief testimony of the prosecution’s first witness, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned the proceedings until 16 July 2026 for the continuation of the trial. The EFCC is expected to present further evidence and additional witnesses as the case progresses before the court.
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