Fidelity Bank described the reports as false, mischievous, and maliciously written to deceive the public into believing a bribe was paid.
By Eugene Onyeji
Fidelity Bank Plc has denied reports that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, allegedly paid a bribe of N5 billion to avoid detention by the police.
In a press statement issued by Fidelity Bank and dated June 16, 2025, it clarified that its Managing Director was asked to sign a N5 billion bail bond as part of a police investigation into a matter involving the account of a customer, Woobs Resources Limited.
Fidelity Bank described the reports as false, mischievous, and maliciously written to deceive the public into believing a bribe was paid.
The Bank explained that its Managing Director was invited by the police to provide a statement regarding a complaint filed by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account.
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It stated that after providing her statement, the police asked Onyeali-Ikpe to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her recognizance.
The bank emphasized that at no point did the Managing Director pay N5 billion to the police to avoid detention, noting that the bond was simply a standard part of her release conditions.
The bank said, “The police invited the Managing Director during their investigation into a complaint made by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account. After taking her statement, the police asked the Managing Director to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her own recognizance.
“It is the N5billion bail bond that was signed by the Managing Director that was referenced in her conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba which was recorded without her consent. At no time did the Managing Director pay N5bn to the Police to avoid detention but rather signed a bond as part of her bail requirements.”
The bank also explained that a similar false claim had previously been raised in a petition to the Inspector General of Police by Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr.Whoba, which the police boss investigated thoroughly and dismissed as baseless.
Fidelity Bank further stated, “While we are unable to comment on the substantive matter as it is before a competent court, we wish to state emphatically that there is no truth in the claims of the story.”
“As a leading financial institution with a long-standing commitment to strong corporate governance, we remain dedicated to adhering to the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.”
