EFCC detains ex-Skye Bank chair Tunde Ayeni over alleged multi-billion naira loan diversion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, in connection with an alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million in loan facilities.

Ayeni was apprehended by EFCC operatives in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and is currently being held as investigators intensify their probe into the transactions.

According to sources close to the investigation, the funds were secured from Polaris Bank Plc through a network of companies believed to be affiliated with the businessman. The loans were reportedly approved for projects in marine security, power distribution, and real estate.

However, investigators suspect that the funds were diverted from their intended purposes and instead channelled into telecommunications ventures linked to assets of NITEL and MTEL, allegedly through a NATCOM-related account.

About a dozen firms said to be connected to Ayeni are also under scrutiny as the EFCC examines how the facilities were obtained and utilised.

The commission is expected to file charges after concluding its investigation.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but declined further comment, noting that inquiries are ongoing.