Court to Rule on Tunde Ayeni's Bail Application May 25

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has set May 25 for a ruling on the bail application filed by Tunde Ayeni, the former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank PLC. Ayeni is currently in custody following his remand on May 4, facing 17 counts of charges related to an alleged ₦15.665 billion fraud case.

Justice Jude Onwuzuruike previously declined Ayeni's request for bail, leading to his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During the proceedings, Ayeni's counsel, Dele Adesina, SAN, argued that his client was entitled to bail, emphasizing the constitutional presumption of innocence and the bailability of the offenses charged.

The EFCC opposed the bail application, submitting a 23-paragraph counter-affidavit along with documentary evidence to justify Ayeni's continued custody pending trial. The court has adjourned the matter to allow for the ruling on the bail application.