Fidelity Bank Plc has dismissed a report by Sahara Reporters alleging its Managing Director, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, paid N5 billion to avoid police detention amid a fraud investigation.
In a statement, Fidelity described the report as “false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
The bank explained that Ms. Onyeali-Ikpe was invited by the Police to aid their investigation following a complaint by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba over the management of accounts related to Woobs Resources Limited.
After making her statement, Ms. Onyeali-Ikpe was required to sign a N5 billion bail bond — a standard procedure — which she did on her own recognizance. “It is this bail bond that is being presented in a mischievous way as a bribe or a payment to avoid arrest or detention,” Fidelity said.
The bank further revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) subsequently investigated the matter following a petition by Mr. Victor Ukutt, acting on Mr. Whoba’s behalf — and cleared Ms. Onyeali-Ikpe of any wrongdoing after a thorough and independent inquiry.
“As a leading financial institution with a longstanding commitment to strong corporate governance, we remain dedicated to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our operations,” Fidelity stressed in its rebuttal.
