The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has clarified the rationale behind the discontinuation of criminal charges against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, amid growing public reactions.
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In a statement issued on Monday by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Office of the AGF, the Attorney General reaffirmed that the decision to withdraw the charges was rooted in the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
According to the statement, the AGF exercised constitutional powers to enter a nolle prosequi — a formal withdrawal of prosecution — after a comprehensive review of the case revealed no direct link between Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe and the alleged fraudulent account.
“The Attorney General’s decision is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness,” the statement read. “Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank when the account in question was opened.”
The statement emphasized that Fidelity Bank Plc as a corporate entity remains a party to the criminal charge, which is still pending before the court, and the withdrawal of charges against the MD/CEO should not be misconstrued as exoneration of the institution itself.
“This decision does not exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge,” the statement clarified. “Rather, it demonstrates the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that innocent individuals are not unjustly prosecuted.”
The Office of the AGF called on the public to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions, urging confidence in the judicial process.
“We urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course. The AGF remains committed to ensuring that justice is served at all times, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Ogundele stated.
The statement concludes by reaffirming the federal government’s unwavering stance on transparency, accountability, and lawful prosecution, noting that every action taken by the AGF is in the public interest and in strict adherence to the Nigerian Constitution.
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