By EDITH NWAPI

The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday remanded a former Syke Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, in Kuje Corrections facility, pending the determination of his bail application.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie gave the order after Ayeni’s counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN asked for a short date for defence to move the ball application.

The judge adjourned the case until May 13, for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Ayeni with 17 counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of about N8 billion.

He however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his not-guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial.

He also urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending commencement of trial.

Counsel for Ayeni, Ahmed Raji SAN, however, told the court that the defence filed bail application on behalf of Ayeni today and served same on the prosecution.

According to him, the charge was served on the defendant by EFCC last Friday, May 1, which was a public holiday.

He urged the court to grant a short adjournment for the bail application to be moved.

Raji informed the court that Ayeni was a lawyer of over 35 years practice.

He then appealed to the court to release the defendant to him (Raji) and Olalekan Ojo SAN, assuring that they would present the defendant in court at the next adjourned date. (NAN)