Fidelity Bank Refutes ₦5 Billion Bribery Allegation, Says Bail Bond Was Misrepresented
Fidelity Bank Plc has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media platform X and a Sahara Reporters publication claiming that the bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, confessed to paying ₦5 billion to avoid police detention amid a fraud investigation.
In a statement released Monday evening, the bank described the report titled “Fidelity Bank MD Onyeali-Ikpe Confesses to Paying ₦5Billion To Avoid Police Detention Amid Over ₦19Billion Fraud Probe” as “patently false” and “maliciously written to deceive the public.”
According to the official clarification, the MD was invited by the police as part of an investigation involving a financial dispute between one James Onyemenam and Mr. Ogo Whoba regarding the management of accounts belonging to Woobs Resources Limited. Following her statement, she was asked to sign a ₦5 billion bail bond on self-recognizance — a standard legal procedure — not as a form of payment or bribe.
“The ₦5 billion bail bond that was signed by the MD was referenced in her conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba, which was recorded without her consent,” the statement read. “At no time did the MD pay ₦5 billion to the Police to avoid detention.”
The bank further clarified that the viral allegation was rooted in a petition submitted to the Inspector General of Police by Victor Ukutt, on behalf of Mr. Whoba. The IGP reportedly ordered a detailed and independent investigation into the claims, which found them to be entirely baseless.
Fidelity Bank reaffirmed its commitment to corporate governance, the rule of law, and ethical business practices. “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,” the statement concluded.
This development comes amid growing concerns over the spread of unverified information and recordings being used to malign reputations without context or legal backing.
The bank urged members of the public and media stakeholders to disregard the publication and refrain from amplifying unfounded claims.
