Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former board Chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, over alleged money laundering, misappropriation and diversion of funds
A source close to the commission said on Friday that Ayeni, a businessman, was picked up on Thursday in Abuja.
The former chairman, the source said, was being grilled over alleged fraud to the tune of N36.6 billion and $ 30 million.
According to the source, the former banker is being held at the EFCC’s facility while the investigation is ongoing.
“Ayeni was arrested in sequel to the investigation of the EFCC into alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds to the tune of N36,540, 058,400,00 and 30 million dollars obtained from Polaris Bank plc by different entities linked to him.
The source explained that although the loans were reportedly obtained for designated investment projects, they were later transferred to accounts unrelated to those projects.
“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 the NATCOM account.”
According to the source, 12 companies linked to Ayeni are under investigation by the EFCC.
The source added that the companies were entities the former chairman allegedly used to obtain loans from Polaris Bank for his activities.
The loans are allegedly depositors’ funds, fraudulently obtained and used for various wasteful purposes. Ayeni will be arraigned in due course after investigations conclude.
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined further details.