The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has withdrawn a criminal charge filed against Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, managing director and chief executive of Fidelity Bank Plc.
The AGF had filed the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos, naming Victor Ukutt, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo (who is reportedly at large), Fidelity Bank Plc, and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe as defendants in connection with the alleged unlawful diversion of N19 billion belonging to Woobs Resources Limited.
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In a statement on Monday signed by Kamarudeen Ogundele, special assistant to the president on communication publicity, the AGF’s office said a review of the case showed that Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe had no connection to the account involved in the alleged fraud.
She was neither the account officer nor the managing director when the account was opened, it said.
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The attorney general exercised his constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi, a legal action that ends prosecution, saying this was necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
“The Attorney General’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
It added that the case against Fidelity Bank itself remains in court.
“This decision does not exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge, which is still pending before the court. It is a demonstration of the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that justice is served,” it said.
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The ministry urged the public to allow the legal process to run its course and refrain from speculation.
The AGF’s office said it remains committed to ensuring that anyone found culpable faces “the full weight of the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.”
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