The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday opened its case against a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank Limited, Tunde Ayeni, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni is standing trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on an 18-count amended charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of funds totalling ₦15.6 billion.
At the resumed proceedings on July 6, 2026, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, presented the first prosecution witness in the matter.
The witness, identified as Remigus Ugwu, told the court that he is a staff member of Zenith Bank.
The proceedings marked the formal commencement of the prosecution’s evidence against the defendant.
Ayeni was first arraigned by the EFCC on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge.
He was later re-arraigned on June 22, 2026, after the anti-graft agency filed an amended 18-count charge supported by additional proof of evidence.
The charges relate to allegations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and diversion of funds while he served as Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank.
After the brief testimony of the first prosecution witness, the court adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The allegations remain claims before the court, and Ayeni is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The post “EFCC Presents First Witness” — Trial Opens Against Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged ₦15.6bn Fund Diversion appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.