By Seyi Odewale
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has explained his decision to drop the N19 billion fraud charge against Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, the AGF clarified that a meticulous review of the case file revealed that Onyeali-Ikpe was neither the bank’s MD nor the account officer at the time the account used for the alleged fraud was opened.
“As the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional authority to enter a nolle prosequi—a legal instrument used to discontinue a case—to avert a miscarriage of justice,” the statement read.
Fagbemi emphasised that the decision reflects his commitment to fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law. He stressed that while Dr Onyeali-Ikpe has been cleared based on the available facts, the case against Fidelity Bank as an institution remains ongoing.
“This move should not be interpreted as an exoneration of Fidelity Bank from the broader allegations,” the AGF stated, “but rather a necessary step to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongfully prosecuted.”
Onyeali-Ikpe had been listed as the 3rd defendant in an eight-count charge before the Federal High Court in Lagos, marked FHC/L/138C/2025, related to an alleged N19 billion fraud.
The AGF urged the public to allow the legal process to unfold without bias or speculation, reaffirming his resolve that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“Our focus remains ensuring that justice is done—firmly, fairly, and transparently,” Fagbemi concluded.
