Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have taken into custody a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over allegations involving money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totalling N36.54bn and $30m.
Ayeni, a businessman, was apprehended in Abuja on Thursday and is currently being detained at the commission’s facility.
His arrest followed an ongoing EFCC investigation into the alleged diversion and misuse of funds reportedly obtained from Polaris Bank through several entities linked to him.
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a former board chairman of 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 sequel to the investigation of the EFCC into alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of N36,540,058,400.00 and $30m obtained from Polaris Bank Plc by different entities linked to him.
“The funds were loans obtained allegedly for specific investment projects but subsequently transferred to other entities’ accounts. Investigations showed that, though the loans were obtained for purposes such as finance of marine security activities, electricity distribution contract, estate development, they were diverted to the NITEL/MTEL asset acquisition through NATCOM account,” one of the sources said.
Another source disclosed that the commission is examining 12 companies allegedly associated with Ayeni, which were reportedly used to secure 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 shady activities. The loans are depositors’ funds fraudulently obtained and frittered into diverse wasteful purposes. Ayeni will be arraigned in due course upon conclusion of investigations,” the source said.
When reached for comment, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined to provide additional information.
