The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to public reactions following the discontinuation of the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.
The decision to discontinue the charge is a reflection of the Attorney General’s constitutional mandate to ensure justice is served fairly and impartially. As the chief law officer of the Federation, the Attorney General is empowered under the Constitution to enter a nolle prosequi—a formal notice of discontinuance—where it is deemed necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
Following a meticulous review of the case file, it became evident that Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe had no direct connection to the allegations in question. She was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director at the time the account central to the alleged fraudulent activity was opened. The evidence, therefore, did not support proceeding with charges against her.
This action should not be misconstrued as an exoneration of the institution itself. The charges against Fidelity Bank Plc remain pending before the court, and legal proceedings will continue accordingly.
This decision underscores the commitment of the Office of the Attorney General to the rule of law, fairness, and the principle that legal actions must be supported by credible evidence. It also demonstrates the resolve of the AGF to uphold justice while ensuring that innocent persons are not unduly subjected to legal proceedings.
We call on the public and the media to refrain from speculation and to allow the legal process to take its full and proper course.
The Office of the Attorney General remains steadfast in its duty to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. Those found culpable at any stage of investigation or trial will face the full weight of the law, in line with the principles of accountability and deterrence.