Why I Dropped Charges Against Fidelity Bank MD, Onyeali Ikpe, Explains AGF
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has revealed the reasons behind his decision to discontinue a fraud charge filed against the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, the AGF explained that he took the decision after a thorough review of the case, which showed that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was not involved in the alleged fraud.
According to the AGF, the review of the case file revealed that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was not the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank at the time the alleged fraud was perpetrated.
The AGF stated that his decision to enter a nolle prosequi, which is a Latin phrase meaning “will no longer prosecute,” was taken to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
He emphasized that as the chief law officer of the federation, he has the constitutional power to discontinue a prosecution where it is deemed necessary to uphold justice and fairness.
The statement read in part: “The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has reviewed the case file of the fraud charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, and has decided to discontinue the prosecution.
“This decision was taken after a careful review of the case, which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge. The review revealed that she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.
“As the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi, discontinuing a prosecution where it is deemed necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice. This decision is a testament to the commitment of his office to uphold justice and fairness.”
The AGF’s decision to drop the fraud charge against Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has been widely commended by stakeholders in the financial sector, who have praised the AGF for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
The case against Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was initially filed by the Federal Government, but the AGF’s decision to discontinue the prosecution has brought an end to the matter. The development is expected to boost investor confidence in the banking sector and reinforce the notion that the current administration is committed to creating a conducive business environment.
The fraud charge against Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was filed by the Federal Government, alleging that she was involved in a scheme to defraud the bank.
However, after a thorough review of the case file, the AGF discovered that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was not involved in the alleged fraud and was not the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank at the time the account used in the alleged scheme was opened.
Fidelity Bank Plc has welcomed the AGF’s decision to discontinue the prosecution against its Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe. In a statement, the bank expressed its gratitude to the AGF for his commitment to upholding justice and fairness.
“We are pleased that the AGF has taken the decision to discontinue the prosecution against our Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
“We are confident that the decision is a testament to the AGF’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure that the banking sector is rid of any form of fraud and corruption,” the statement read.
The AGF’s decision to drop the fraud charge against Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has significant implications for the banking sector and the economy as a whole.
The development is expected to boost investor confidence in the sector and reinforce the notion that the current administration is committed to creating a conducive business environment.
The decision also highlights the importance of ensuring that justice is served and that the rule of law is upheld. The AGF’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness has been widely commended, and the development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the banking sector.
