Fidelity Bank Denies ₦5bn Bribe Claim, Says Allegation Is Baseless

Fidelity Bank Denies ₦5bn Bribe Claim, Says Allegation Is Baseless.
The MD signed a ₦5bn bail bond on self-recognizance only.
Police investigations found the bribery allegation completely baseless and misleading.

Fidelity Bank has firmly denied claims published by Sahara Reporters alleging that its Managing Director, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, paid ₦5 billion to avoid detention amid an ongoing fraud investigation involving ₦19 billion.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the bank described the publication titled “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe” as false and misleading, clarifying that no money was paid to the police.

In an official statement, the bank explained that the MD was invited by the Nigeria Police Force as part of an investigation into a petition filed by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba concerning the management of Woobs Resources Limited’s accounts.

Following her statement, the police requested the MD to sign a ₦5 billion bail bond, which she did on self-recognizance as part of standard bail procedures—not a monetary transaction.

The bank further stated that the reference to the ₦5 billion bond in a conversation between the MD and Mr. Ogo Whoba, which was secretly recorded without her consent, has been maliciously misrepresented.

It added that the allegations, later presented to the Inspector General of Police in a petition by Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr. Whoba, were thoroughly investigated by the police and found to be baseless.

Fidelity Bank reiterated its commitment to corporate governance, legal compliance, and ethical standards. The institution also urged the public to disregard what it called a deliberate attempt to mislead and misinform.