By JKNewsMedia
ALLEGATIONS THAT ₦5 billion was paid to police to prevent the detention of Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, have been dismissed as entirely false and deliberately misleading.
The bank issued a strong rebuttal following a publication on Sahara Reporters that claimed MD Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe confessed to making the payment amid a ₦19 billion fraud investigation.
It clarified that the referenced sum was a bail bond signed during a police inquiry—not a cash transaction to avoid custody.
Police had invited the MD during their probe into a petition filed by James Onyemenam against Mr Ogo Whoba concerning the account management of Woobs Resources Limited.
After giving her statement, Onyeali-Ikpe was asked to sign a ₦5 billion bail bond on self-recognisance, which she did in accordance with standard procedure.
This bail bond was later cited during a recorded conversation between the MD and Mr Whoba, which the bank stated was made without her knowledge or consent.
Fidelity Bank emphasised that no money exchanged hands and the figure referred solely to the bond condition, not a bribe.
The bribery accusation surfaced in a petition submitted by Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr Whoba to the Inspector General of Police.
Following a comprehensive independent investigation, the IGP’s office found the allegations to be baseless.
Reiterating its commitment to strong corporate governance, the bank affirmed it continues to uphold ethical standards and adhere to legal protocols in all matters.
It also declined further comment on the broader fraud case, which remains before the courts.
