Ex-Skye Bank chair Tunde Ayeni in EFCC custody as probe into multi-billion naira loan scandal deepens

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, over an alleged fraud involving N36.

5 billion and $30 million.
Ayeni was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and is currently in custody.
The anti-graft agency is investigating the alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million obtained as loans from Polaris Bank through companies linked to Ayeni.
Sources familiar with the probe disclosed that the funds were originally secured for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects but were later diverted.
Investigators further allege that the loans were channelled into telecommunications investments connected to NITEL/MTEL assets through a NATCOM account.
About 12 companies believed to be associated with Ayeni are also under investigation for their roles in obtaining the loans.
The EFCC is expected to file charges upon the conclusion of its investigation.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide additional details.