The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over allegations of money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N36.54bn and $30m.
According to information gathered, Ayeni was arrested in Abuja on Thursday and is currently being held at the commission’s facility as investigations continue.
Sources familiar with the matter said the arrest followed ongoing EFCC investigations into the alleged diversion of funds reportedly obtained from Polaris Bank through several entities linked to the former bank chairman.
“Operatives of the EFCC have arrested a former board chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc and businessman, Tunde Ayeni, in connection with alleged money laundering, misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of N36,540,058,400.00 and $30m.”
“Ayeni was arrested following investigations into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds obtained from Polaris Bank Plc by different entities linked to him.”
EFCC Probes Loan Diversion and Linked Companies
The sources further explained that the loans in question were allegedly secured for specific investment projects but were later moved into different accounts. They added that although the funds were meant for ventures such as marine security services, electricity distribution contracts, and estate development, they were instead diverted toward the acquisition of NITEL/MTEL assets through the NATCOM account.
Another source disclosed that the EFCC is also investigating about 12 companies allegedly connected to Ayeni, which were reportedly used to obtain the loans from Polaris Bank.
“Twelve different companies linked to Ayeni are being investigated by the EFCC. They are entities he allegedly used to obtain loans from Polaris Bank for his activities. The loans are depositors’ funds allegedly obtained and diverted for other purposes. Ayeni will be arraigned in due course upon the conclusion of investigations,” the source added.
Meanwhile, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details on the ongoing investigation.
