By JKNewsMedia
THE OFFICE of the Attorney General has addressed public reactions following the withdrawal of criminal charges against Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.
The discontinuation, legally executed through a nolle prosequi, underscores the Attorney General’s constitutional authority to halt prosecutions when necessary to prevent miscarriage of justice.
A detailed review of the case revealed that Dr Onyeali-Ikpe had no operational involvement in the matter under investigation, as she neither held the position of MD nor was the account officer when the implicated account was created.
This legal step, according to the Office of the Attorney General, aligns with its duty to uphold the rule of law without prejudice, ensuring individuals are not wrongfully prosecuted.
It reaffirmed that the move does not absolve the institution—Fidelity Bank—from the broader allegations of fraud currently before the court.
Clarifying further, the Attorney General’s office reiterated that its decision was based solely on factual analysis and legal merit.
The office has also cautioned against premature conclusions and urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed unimpeded.
While the charges against the MD/CEO have been dropped, a statement issued notes that the case against other parties remains active, and the Ministry has committed to ensuring that those found culpable face the full extent of the law.
Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity at the Ministry of Justice, issued the statement on behalf of the Attorney General on Monday, June 9, 2025.
