Emmanuel lkpeama.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has clarified the discontinuation of a criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc.
In a release signed by the Special Assistant to the President on Communication, Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice Kamarudeen Ogundele,on June 09,2025,he stated that the decision to discontinue the charge was made after a careful review of the case, which revealed that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank when the account in question was opened.
Ogunlende noted that the decision by the Attorney General is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, ensuring that the legal process is allowed to run its course without interference or speculation.
He said that the decision followed a careful review of the case which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of the Fidelity Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.
“The Attorney General’s decision to discontinue the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness.”
“As the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi, discontinuing a prosecution where it is deemed necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice.”
“This decision followed a careful review of the case which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of the Fidelity Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.”
“The Attorney General’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, and we have every confidence that this decision is in the best interest of justice and the public.”
“This decision does not to exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge which is still pending before the court, but rather a demonstration of the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that justice is served.”he stated.
He therefore urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or jumping to conclusions as the AGF will ensure that the best interest of Justice is served at all times and that all those found wanting, at any time, face the full weight of law to serve as a deterrent to others.
