The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, have clarified the rationale behind the discontinuation of the criminal charge against Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.
In a statement on Monday by the AGF’s spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi revealed that the move came after a thorough review of the case, with the decision aimed at preventing a miscarriage of justice.
The federal government had dropped the name of Dr Onyeali-Ikpe from an ongoing criminal case involving an alleged N19bn fraud.
The case instituted by the AGF also targeted a lawyer, Victor Ukutt; another defendant, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo (reportedly at large); and Fidelity Bank Plc, over the alleged unlawful conversion of funds belonging to Woobs Resources Limited.
The AGF exercised his constitutional power to discontinue the criminal prosecution against Onyeali-Ikpe after determining that she had no direct connection to the alleged fraudulent activities outlined in the charge marked FHC/L/138C/2025.
The AGF emphasised that the discontinuation of the case against Dr Onyeali-Ikpe should not be interpreted as an exoneration of Fidelity Bank itself. The criminal charge against the bank as a corporate entity remains active and will continue to be pursued in court.
“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 statement noted.
It reiterated that the decision reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to justice, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.
“We urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or jumping to conclusions.
“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 the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement concluded.
