Fidelity Bank has dismissed reports alleging that its Managing Director (MD) paid N5 billion in bribes to avoid detention by the police.
In a statement released on Monday, the bank explained that the MD 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 described the reports — particularly a story by Sahara Reporters — as false and mischievous, meant to mislead the public into believing a bribe was paid.
“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 recognisance.
“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 the same false claim had previously been raised in a petition to the Inspector General of Police by Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr. Whoba. The Inspector General investigated the matter thoroughly and dismissed it as baseless.
[6/17, 9:48 AM] Atufe Friday: Press release
Fidelity Bank Funds Construction of Nigeria’s First Privately Built Onshore Oil Export Facility in 50 Years
In a significant boost to Nigeria’s crude oil production and export capabilities, leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc has facilitated the construction of the country’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over 50 years.
The terminal, located at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State and operated by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), successfully exported its first crude oil cargo at 2pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025, when a Shell-chartered vessel lifted the maiden shipment — marking a key milestone in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Commenting on Fidelity Bank’s role in making the project a reality, Managing Director/CEO Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said: “Our partnership with Green Energy International underscores our confidence in the ability of indigenous companies to drive progress in the country’s energy sector.
“With an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels — expandable to 3 million — and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, this terminal will significantly boost Nigeria’s energy security. Transformative projects like this reflect Fidelity Bank’s deep-rooted mission to help individuals to grow, businesses to thrive, and economies to prosper.”
The launch of the terminal is expected to ease reliance on offshore facilities and attract fresh investment into the country’s oil industry.
GEIL’s chairman, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, described the feat as a historic milestone made possible by divine intervention, the hard work of the company’s team, and the support of regulators.
“We appreciate all our partners and the dedication of our indigenous technical team who made this happen. It’s a proud moment for us, for Africa’s energy industry, and for the future of the country’s oil and gas development.”
According to Prof. Adegbulugbe, the terminal was constructed in under two years and stands as the first crude terminal developed by a private operator on the continent.
The terminal is designed to handle up to 250,000 barrels per day of crude injection, while the Otakikpo field currently produces about 10,000 barrels per day. The company explained that the terminal also provides a strategic evacuation route for more than 40 nearby stranded fields — collectively holding an estimated 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent — thereby strengthening production and export capabilities.
With growing global demand for Africa’s crude oil, the Otakikpo terminal is poised to attract further investment and reinforce Nigeria’s role in the international energy market. The facility will be key to improving oil evacuation and boosting production in line with the country’s long-term energy goals.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognised as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
