The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has officially withdrawn criminal charges filed against Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.
The case, which was before the Federal High Court in Lagos, involved allegations of unlawful diversion of N19 billion belonging to Woobs Resources Limited. The charges initially listed Victor Ukutt, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo (who is reportedly at large), Fidelity Bank Plc, and Onyeali-Ikpe as defendants.
However, in a statement released on Monday by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, the AGF’s office clarified that a review of the case revealed that Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe had no connection to the account involved in the alleged fraud.
“She was neither the account officer nor the managing director at the time the account in question was opened,” the statement noted.
Citing the need to prevent a miscarriage of justice, the Attorney General exercised his constitutional authority to enter a nolle prosequi—a legal mechanism to discontinue prosecution.
“The Attorney General’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” the statement added.
While the charges against Onyeali-Ikpe have been withdrawn, the case against Fidelity Bank Plc remains active. The AGF’s office emphasized that the withdrawal does not exonerate the bank from the allegations still pending before the court.
“This action reflects the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that justice is served appropriately,” it said.
The Ministry of Justice urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold without speculation, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable face the full weight of the law
