Fidelity Bank Plc has denied allegations that its Managing Director (MD) paid a N5 billion bribe to avoid police detention, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The bank, in a statement issued on Monday, said the confusion arose from a standard bail bond procedure that was misrepresented in some media outlets, particularly by Sahara Reporters.
According to the statement, the MD was invited by the police as part of an investigation into a dispute involving the account of one of the bank’s customers, Woobs Resources Limited. The police were acting on a complaint filed by James Onyemenam against Mr. Ogo Whoba regarding the account’s management.
“After taking her statement, the police requested the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her own recognizance. This is a common condition for release and not a financial transaction,” the bank clarified.
Fidelity Bank further explained that the bond signing was later referenced in a recorded phone conversation between the MD and Mr. Ogo Whoba, which was secretly and unlawfully recorded. The bank stressed that no money was exchanged and no bribe was paid.
“At no time did the MD pay N5 billion to the police to avoid detention. Signing the bond was simply a part of her release conditions,” the statement emphasized.
The bank noted that similar allegations had previously been raised in a petition to the Inspector General of Police by Victor Ukutt, acting on behalf of Mr. Whoba. Following a thorough investigation, the police authorities found the claims to be without merit and dismissed them.
Fidelity Bank reiterated its commitment to ethical standards and urged the public to disregard the reports, which it said were intended to mislead and damage the institution’s reputation.