AGF Withdraws Charges Against Fidelity Bank CEO, Cites Lack Of Evidence And Commitment To Justice

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has officially withdrawn criminal charges filed against the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, citing a lack of direct involvement and a commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity for the Office of the AGF, Fagbemi said the decision followed a careful review of the case file and evidence. He exercised his constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi—a formal withdrawal of prosecution—in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

“The decision was reached after a thorough review revealed that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank at the time the account used in the alleged fraudulent scheme was opened,” the statement read.

The Attorney General emphasized that while the charges against Onyeali-Ikpe have been dropped, the case against Fidelity Bank as a corporate entity remains active and under legal scrutiny.

“This decision does not exonerate Fidelity Bank from the allegations outlined in the charge, which remains active before the court. Rather, it reflects the AGF’s obligation to ensure that only those directly connected to alleged criminal conduct are prosecuted,” the statement added.

The AGF’s office urged members of the public and media to allow the legal process to run its course and refrain from speculation or prejudgment.

“We appeal to the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions. The legal process must be allowed to take its full course,” Ogundele said.

Fagbemi further reiterated his administration’s commitment to impartiality, fairness, and accountability in the discharge of justice.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation will always act in the best interest of justice and uphold the law. Anyone found culpable, at any time, will be held accountable to the full extent of the law,” the statement concluded.

The withdrawn charges were part of a broader investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving a number of corporate and financial institutions. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s exoneration is expected to have significant implications for both her professional standing and the ongoing case against Fidelity Bank.