Fresh Twist In Tunde Ayeni Case As Court Fixes Date For Bail Decision

Ayeni is currently being held in detention over his alleged involvement in a ₦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, trial judge Justice Jude Onwuzuruike rejected Ayeni’s request to remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the determination of his bail application.

During Wednesday’s resumed hearing, defence counsel Dele Adesina (SAN) argued that his client had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC before the court issued the remand order.

He further submitted that steps to perfect the administrative bail were ongoing prior to Ayeni’s detention, insisting that the defendant is constitutionally presumed innocent and that the charges are bailable.

However, counsel for the EFCC, G. I. Inde, opposed the bail application, urging the court to deny the request and keep the defendant in custody pending trial.

The prosecution also presented a 23-paragraph counter-affidavit along with documentary evidence outlining reasons why Ayeni should remain detained.

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