Court Sets Date To Decide Tunde Ayeni’s Bail Application

According to Ireporter Online, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, Abuja, has fixed May 25 for ruling on the bail application filed by former Chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, who is currently standing trial over an alleged ₦15.665 billion fraud case.

The former bank chief was remanded in prison custody on May 4 after pleading not guilty to a 17-count charge bordering on alleged financial misconduct. At the previous sitting, the trial judge, Justice Jude Onwuzuruike, refused the defence request that Ayeni be allowed to remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending determination of his bail request.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, defence counsel, Dele Adesina (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had earlier been granted administrative bail by the EFCC, noting that steps to perfect the bail conditions were already ongoing before the court ordered his remand. He further argued that Ayeni is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and maintained that the charges against him are bailable.

However, counsel to the EFCC, G. I. Inde, opposed the application, urging the court to deny bail and keep the defendant in custody pending trial. The prosecution also submitted a 23-paragraph counter-affidavit alongside documentary evidence supporting its position.

After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 25 for ruling on the bail application.