AGF Decision to Discontinue Criminal Charge against MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank is Constitutional – S.A to President on Publicity
By Godson Ikoro
The Attorney General of the Federation,(AGF) Lateef Fagbemi has constitutional Power to enter a nolle prosequi, to prevent a miscarriage of justice and fairness.
A statement from the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice issued,Monday,and signed by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the president on communication publicity, made this assertion.
The statement decried the flurry of reactions trailing the dis- continuation of the criminal charge against the Managing Director and Chief Executive (MD/CEO) of Fidelity Bank PLC , Dr Nneka Onyeali lkpe, stressing that the AGF has constitutional Power to discontinue any criminal charge in the interest of Justice and fairness.
In a release made available to the media yesterday, the statement argued that
“The Attorney General’s decision to discontinue the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness.
As the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi, discontinuing a prosecution where it is deemed necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice.”
This decision followed a careful review of the case which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of the Fidelity Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened, the statement argued.
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, and we have every confidence that this decision is in the best interest of justice and the public.
However, this decision does not, in anyway, exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge which is still pending before the court, but rather a demonstration of the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that justice is served.
Accordingly “We urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or jumping to conclusions.
The AGF will ensure that the best interest of Justice is served at all times and that all those found wanting, at any time, face the full weight of law to serve as a deterrent to others.
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