Fidelity Bank MD, Okonkwo, remanded in EFCC custody over $153m loot

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to charge the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, over a fresh revelation that he allegedly helped a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to launder $153m during the build-up to the presidential election.

An impeccable source at the EFCC told Punch’s correspondent that Okonkwo was brought before a Magistrate’s Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday and the court ordered that he be remanded in the EFCC custody for one week pending the outcome of investigations.

A detective at the anti-graft agency told Punch that the bank MD, who was arrested last month for allegedly helping Diezani to disburse $115m to some personalities in 2015, had told investigators that the ($115m) N23bn was the only fund he handled for the ex-minister.

Operatives of the commission continued their investigation into Okonkwo’s financial dealings with Diezani after his release and were said to have been stunned by the fresh discovery.

The source added, “The Fidelity Bank boss was taken to court today (Wednesday) and we obtained an order to remand him in custody for seven days pending the outcome of investigations.

“He was remanded based on the fresh discovery of $153m. All things being equal, he will be charged to court next week.”

-Punch