By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has strongly denied recent media allegations that its Managing Director, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, paid ₦5 billion to evade detention by the Nigeria Police, describing the claim as “false, malicious, and intentionally misleading.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the bank refuted a report published by Sahara Reporters under the headline, “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5 Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19 Billion Fraud Probe”, asserting that the allegations were baseless and misrepresented legal procedures.
The bank clarified that Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe was invited by the Nigeria Police in relation to an account management dispute involving Woobs Resources Limited, as alleged by Mr. James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba.
Upon providing her statement to authorities, the MD was granted bail and asked to sign a ₦5 billion bail bond on self-recognizance—a common legal requirement. Fidelity Bank emphasized that no payment was made to law enforcement officers.
“The ₦5 billion figure cited in the article refers solely to a bail bond, not a monetary payment,” the bank explained. “This condition was subsequently misrepresented in a secretly recorded conversation involving Mr. Ogo Whoba, which occurred without the MD’s knowledge or consent.”
Further investigations by the Nigeria Police, prompted by a petition submitted by Mr. Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr. Whoba, concluded that the allegations lacked merit and were unfounded.
Reiterating its position, the bank stated: “Fidelity Bank stands firmly by its commitment to corporate governance, compliance with the law, and ethical business practices. As a reputable financial institution, we operate with transparency and uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
The bank called on the public to disregard the claims, noting that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against the dissemination of defamatory content.
