Why the Charges Against Fidelity Bank's Boss Were Dropped: AGF Explains

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stated that his office’s choice to drop the criminal charges against Fidelity Bank Plc’s Managing Director and CEO, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, demonstrates their dedication to maintaining justice and equity.

In a press release issued on Monday, Kamarudeen Ogundele, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President for Communications, Public Relations, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and Minister of Justice, asserted that as the principal legal advisor of the country, the AGF holds the authority under the constitution to file a nolle prosequi. This action allows for the cessation of a criminal case when it is crucial to avoid an unjust outcome.

The statement indicated that "The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has taken notice of various responses following the decision to discontinue the criminal charges against the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc."

The decision came after a thorough examination of the case, which failed to link Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the accusation since she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank at the time the account involved in the supposed fraudulent activity was established.

The statement went on to say that the Attorney General’s choice is influenced by the tenets of justice, equity, and legal standards, adding that his team believes this determination serves the highest interests of justice as well as the general welfare of society.

It was observed that even though the charges against the CEO have been dismissed, the bank still needs to address certain issues.

This ruling does not absolve Fidelity Bank from the accusations outlined in the charges, which remain unresolved in court; instead, it reflects the Attorney General's commitment to upholding justice.

We ask the community to let the legal process unfold without interference and to avoid engaging in speculations or premature judgments.

"The AGF will guarantee that the interests of justice are always upheld and that anyone who falls short faces the full force of the law, thereby serving as a warning to others," the statement further noted.

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