Ayeni, Tunde, was re-arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to an alleged N15.6 billion fraud. Ayeni was the chairman of the board of directors of Polaris Bank Limited, the erstwhile Skye Bank Plc.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, Nigeria, made the revelation public during hearings held on June 22, 2026.
The anti-graft agency reported that when further evidence was filed, Ayeni was re-arraigned on an amended 18-count indictment. The new allegation pertains to alleged criminal breach of trust, embezzlement, and diversion of monies totalling N15.6 billion.
Prosecutor Abba Mohammed, SAN, reported to the court during the resumption of proceedings that June 22, 2026, was the date of filing for the amended charge and additional proof of evidence.
The defense’s attorney, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, responded by confirming that they had received the new charge.
The EFCC brought criminal breach of trust charges against the bank, claiming that the transfer was a violation of the bank’s operational policy handbook.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) further claimed that in September 2014, Ayeni committed another criminal breach of trust by allegedly transferring N600 million to Harigold Ventures Limited from the same suspense account.
“That you, Tunde Ayeni, while serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank Limited), perpetrated a criminal breach of trust by dishonestly stealing fifty million naira (N510,000,000),” the accusation stated.
When the allegations were read to the former bank chairman in court, he entered a not guilty plea to all of them.
Prior to the revision that raised the number of counts to 18, Ayeni was originally charged with 17 by the EFCC on May 4, 2026.