Fidelity Bank Plc has categorically refuted a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that its Managing Director, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, confessed to paying ₦5 billion to avoid police detention in connection with an ongoing ₦19 billion fraud investigation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the bank described the publication titled “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe” as “patently false” and “maliciously written to deceive the public.”
The bank clarified that while it is constrained from commenting on the substantive legal matter currently before a competent court, it emphatically denies any suggestion that its Managing Director made any payment to the police to secure her release.
According to the statement, Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe was invited by the Nigeria Police Force as part of an investigation into a dispute involving Mr. James Onyemenam and Mr. Ogo Whoba concerning the management of accounts belonging to Woobs Resources Limited. Following her appearance and after providing a statement, the police requested that she sign a ₦5 billion bail bond, which she did on self-recognizance — a legal condition that does not involve the payment of money.
“The ₦5 billion bail bond referred to in the Sahara Reporters article was simply part of her bail conditions and not a cash payment to the police,” the statement emphasized. “At no time did the MD pay ₦5 billion to avoid detention.”
The bank further disclosed that the claim originated from a recorded conversation between Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe and Mr. Ogo Whoba — recorded without her consent — in which she referenced the bail bond. The same claim was subsequently included in a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by Mr. Victor Ukutt, acting on behalf of Mr. Whoba.
Following a detailed and independent investigation by the police, the allegation was found to be entirely baseless.
“Fidelity Bank remains committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, integrity, and accountability,” the statement concluded. “As a leading financial institution, we maintain our long-standing reputation for ethical business practices and compliance with the rule of law.”
