The anti-graft agency re-arraigned Ayeni on Monday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on a revised 18-count charge covering allegations of criminal breach of trust, unlawful diversion of funds, and misappropriation.
The case was initially filed as a 17-count charge on May 4, but investigators later amended the charges after presenting additional supporting evidence to the court.
During the hearing, EFCC lawyer Abba Mohammed told the court that the updated charge sheet and supplementary proof materials were officially submitted on June 22.
Counsel to the defendant, Abdul Mohammed, confirmed that the defence had received the amended filings.
Prosecutors allege that in September 2014, while serving as chairman of Skye Bank’s board, Ayeni authorized the transfer of ₦510 million from the bank’s suspense account to Capital Field Investment Group Limited in breach of internal banking procedures.
In a separate allegation, the EFCC claimed that ₦600 million was similarly moved from the same suspense account into an account linked to Harigold Ventures Limited at Sterling Bank, funds said to belong to depositors under the bank’s custody at the time.
The commission argues that the transactions amounted to a violation of fiduciary duties and constituted a serious breach of trust.
Ayeni denied all allegations when the 18 charges were read to him in court.
After entering his plea, the judge adjourned the case until July 6 for the commencement of full trial proceedings
Goodness Anunobi
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