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 own recognizance.

“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.

Accra, Ghana, June 16, 2025: Samer Chedid, CEO of Nestlé Indonesia has been appointed CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa (CWAR) replacing Mauricio Alarcón who has taken on a new role within the Nestlé group. A business leader with diverse experiences across Nestlé including Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Mr. Chedid is no stranger to CWAR as he previously served as Country Manager for Nestlé Ghana.In his new role, he will steer affairs of the business across 25 countries in CWAR. “I am delighted to return to a region that has been a part of my career within the Nestlé group. Together with our resilient team of over 5,000 employees, I will continue to advance our purpose through innovation, high-quality product offerings, and meaningful partnerships. Our goal is to enhance livelihoods, promote community development, and maintain our commitment to environmental stewardship”, Mr. Chedid commenting on his appointment said.Mr. Chedid joined Nestlé in 1998 as a Sales Development Manager. He was later appointed Head of Channel Category Sales Development for Nestlé Middle East Region before his assignment as General Business Manager in Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai. He then moved to CWAR as Country Manager, Ghana then returned to the Middle East as Nestlé Middle East Region Sales Director. He was later appointed Country Manager, Saudi Arabia and eventually promoted to become CEO, Nestlé Pakistan. Mr. Chedid is recognized for his strong leadership and strategic mindset, his passion for people and for building strong and effective teams.For Media Enquiries, contact:Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestlé Central and West AfricaCwar.MediaRelations@GH.nestle.com

Benin City, Nigeria (28 May 2025) – In yet another significant commitment to the socio-economic development of its host communities, Azura Power West Africa Limited (APWAL) on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025 inaugurated two pivotal projects in Orior-Osemwende Community, Benin City, Edo State: the reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road, thereby scaling up access to qualitative healthcare and improved connectivity for the residents of the community. The two key projects executed through the “Power to Change” (PTC) initiative – the company’s strategic Corporate & Social Responsibility vehicle – address the critical needs within the host community, the company stated. The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who performed the formal commissioning of the projects, commended Azura Power West Africa Limited for its investment in initiatives that tangibly impact the lives and well-being of Nigerians, emphasising the benefits of partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector toward accelerating the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The governor stated that Azura Power’s sustained commitment to making a real difference in the lives of the residents of the Orior-Osemwende community was exemplary and worthy of emulation for other businesses. In his welcome speech, Managing Director, Azura Power West Africa Limited, Mr. Edu Okeke, disclosed that the two projects, culminating in a total cost of 1.66 billion Naira, were aimed to significantly enhance healthcare infrastructure by providing a modern and improved primary healthcare facility for the residents of its host communities – Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina – and adjoining communities, as well as improve community connectivity by delivering vital road infrastructure to facilitate movement, access, and overall quality of life. “For us at Azura Power West Africa Limited, the reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road in Orior-Osemwende community not only exemplify APWAL’s continued dedication to our host communities but also highlight the tangible impact of the ‘Power to Change’ programme in fostering sustainable development and empowering lives at the grassroots level,’’ he stated. He said further that Azura Power’s PTC programme was a positive example of how corporate entities can meaningfully contribute to the development of their host communities, showcasing a model of responsible corporate citizenship. Okeke expressed deep gratitude to Governor Okpebholo-led administration for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and noted that the governor’s commitment to improved security, road and general infrastructure across the state would go a long way in attracting more investors into Edo State. “The reconstructed primary health centre will directly improve healthcare access and outcomes for the residents of Orior-Osemwende. Similarly, the newly built community road will enhance connectivity, ease of movement, and overall quality of life for the community members, potentially impacting economic activities and social interactions. If we take our modest contribution to community development as examples of incentives to attract more investors, the impact will be more when it is done on a large scale,’’ Okeke affirmed. He assured of Azura Power’s long-term commitment to the socio-economic advancement of its host communities, stating, “We will position the ‘Power to Change’ programme as a testament to this long-term vision of creating positive and lasting change, demonstrating that APWAL is a responsible and invested partner in the community’s progress.’’