Court of Appeal Exonerates Fidelity Bank in Rights Case

The Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled on 14 September 2026, clearing Fidelity Bank Plc of liability in a fundamental rights case initiated by Michael Kundera. This decision overturned an earlier judgment from the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which had found the bank liable for Kundera's unlawful arrest and detention from 15 to 16 May 2023.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Kekemeke, had ordered the respondents, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its former chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, to pay Kundera ₦10 million for the violation of his rights and ₦2 million in costs. Kundera, who was 75 years old at the time, claimed his detention was unlawful as he was not charged or granted bail.

Fidelity Bank argued that it had no credible connection to Kundera's arrest, as its involvement was limited to a petition regarding a loan procurement order unrelated to him. The appellate court upheld the bank's appeal, emphasizing the lack of evidence linking it to the alleged rights violation.