Tunde Ayeni , a former chairman of Skye Bank Plc has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of money laundering, misappropriation and diversion of funds totaling 36.54 billion naira and $30 million.
Ayeni was arrested Thursday in Abuja and is being held at an EFCC facility, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The arrest followed ongoing EFCC investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving funds said to have been obtained from Polaris Bank plc through multiple entities linked to Ayeni.
According to one source, the funds were loans secured for specific investment projects but were later transferred to accounts of other entities. The loans were reportedly obtained for purposes including marine security, electricity distribution contracts and real estate development. However, investigators allege the funds were diverted to the acquisition of NITEL/MTEL assets through a NATCOM account.
Another source said the EFCC is investigating 12 companies allegedly linked to Ayeni, which were used to obtain the loans from Polaris Bank. The loans, described as depositors’ funds, were allegedly diverted for purposes other than those for which they were approved.
Ayeni is expected to be arraigned after investigations are completed.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details.
