Fidelity Bank CEO Allegedly Heard in Leaked Audio Admitting to N5bn Payout to Evade Arrest
A leaked audio allegedly featuring Fidelity Bank CEO Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe claiming she paid N5bn to avoid arrest has sparked outrage.
The recording emerges amid a growing N32bn fraud probe, prompting calls for urgent investigation and accountability.
SEE ALSO: AGF Explains Decision to Drop Fraud Charges Against Fidelity Bank CEO
A voice recording allegedly featuring the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has surfaced online, stirring controversy and raising fresh concerns amid an ongoing fraud investigation. In the leaked audio clip, the voice reportedly that of Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe claims to have paid a staggering N5 billion to prevent her detention by the Nigeria Police Force.
The development comes in the middle of a wider investigation into an alleged N32 billion financial fraud case tied to Fidelity Bank and several high-ranking individuals, including its top management. While the authenticity of the voice recording has not yet been independently verified, it has ignited significant public interest and calls for deeper scrutiny.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the audio emerged late Sunday evening and has been making the rounds across social media platforms and private messaging groups. In the clip, a female voice that matches Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s is heard recounting how she was allegedly compelled to part with N5 billion to avoid being arrested in connection with the fraud allegations currently under review by security agencies.
The alleged admission has fueled speculation about the scale and seriousness of the ongoing investigation, which insiders say could implicate a number of top executives within the bank. The case, centered on suspected financial misappropriation and corporate malpractice, reportedly involves questionable transactions and discrepancies amounting to N32 billion.
Despite the growing uproar, Fidelity Bank has yet to issue an official response addressing the content of the leaked audio or clarifying the position of its CEO regarding the alleged bribe. Efforts to reach the bank’s spokesperson for comment on the matter have so far been unsuccessful.
Analysts suggest that if the voice recording is authenticated, it could have serious implications not just for Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s leadership but also for the credibility of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. The ongoing probe may prompt regulatory agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intensify their oversight of the bank’s operations and internal controls.
The situation remains fluid, with observers calling for a transparent and thorough investigation to uncover the facts and ensure accountability, irrespective of the corporate stature of those involved.
