Fidelity Bank has denied reports that its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, allegedly paid a bribe of N5 billion to avoid detention by the police.
This disclosure is contained in a press statement issued by Fidelity Bank, where it clarified that its Managing Director was asked to sign a N5 billion bail bond as part of a police investigation into a matter involving the account of a customer, Woobs Resources Limited.
The bank, in its statement, described the reports, especially a story by Sahara Reporters, as false and mischievous, meant to mislead the public into believing a bribe was paid.
Fidelity Bank explained that its MD was invited by the police to provide a statement regarding a complaint filed by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account.
It stated that after providing her statement, the police asked Onyeali-Ikpe to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her recognizance, adding that the bond was mistakenly reported as a bribe.
The bank emphasized that at no point did the MD pay N5 billion to the police to avoid detention, noting that the bond was simply a standard part of her release conditions.
The bank said, “The police invited the MD during their investigation into a complaint made by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account. After taking her statement, the police asked the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her own recognizance.
“It is this bond — not a bribe — that was referenced in a phone conversation with Mr. Ogo Whoba, which was secretly and unlawfully recorded. At no time did the MD pay N5 billion to the Police to avoid detention; signing the bond was simply a standard part of her release conditions.”
The bank also explained that a similar false claim had previously been raised in a petition to the Inspector General of Police by Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr.Whoba, which the police boss investigated thoroughly and dismissed as baseless.