Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, has spoken on his decision to withdraw the fraud charges filed against Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc.
Gatekeepers News reports that Onyeali-Ikpe had initially been named as the third defendant in an eight-count criminal charge (FHC/L/138C/2025) filed by M. B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions in the AGF’s office.
Other defendants included Victor Ukutt, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Whoba Ugwunna Ogo, listed as the first, second, and fourth defendants, respectively.
The case presided by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, alleged the unlawful conversion of N19 billion belonging to Woobs Resources Limited.
In a statement released Monday through his spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the AGF clarified that Onyeali-Ikpe had no direct involvement in the fraudulent transactions under investigation.
The statement reads, “The attorney-general’s decision to discontinue the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plo, is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness.”
“As the chief law officer of the federation, the AG 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 followed a careful review of the case, which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge, as 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 attorney-general’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, and we have every confidence that this decision is in the best interest of justice and the public.”
“This decision does not exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge, which is still pending before the court, but rather is a demonstration of the attorney-general’s duty to ensure that justice is served.”
“We urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or jumping to conclusions.”
