Court Fixes Date for Ruling on Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni’s Bail Request
By Wellington Jopelo
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has fixed May 25 to decide whether former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, will be granted bail in the ongoing N15.6 billion fraud case against him.
Ayeni is currently being held in prison custody after he was arraigned earlier this month on multiple fraud-related charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former bank chairman had pleaded not guilty to the 17-count charge bordering on alleged financial crimes and diversion of funds.
At Wednesday’s court session, Ayeni’s lawyer, Dele Adesina (SAN), urged the court to release his client on bail pending the continuation of trial.
The senior lawyer argued that the EFCC had earlier granted Ayeni administrative bail before the court later ordered his remand.
According to the defence, arrangements to perfect the earlier bail conditions were already ongoing before the remand decision was issued by the court.
Ayeni’s legal team also maintained that the former bank chairman remains innocent until proven guilty and should not be kept behind bars over offences that are legally bailable.
However, counsel to the EFCC opposed the application and asked the court to deny bail.
The anti-graft agency told the court it had already filed a detailed counter-affidavit explaining why Ayeni should remain in custody while the case continues.
After listening to both sides, Justice Jude Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter till May 25 for ruling on the bail application.
The case has continued attracting attention within Nigeria’s financial and legal circles because of the huge amount involved and Ayeni’s past influence in the banking sector.
As the legal battle continues, attention is now focused on whether the court will allow the former Skye Bank chairman regain temporary freedom or keep him in detention pending trial.