Family Alleges Compromise, Demands Review in Murder Case of Globus Bank Manager Orovwuje Fidelis by Wife

Family Alleges Compromise, Demands Review in Murder Case of Globus Bank Manager Orovwuje Fidelis by Wife

By Naomi Onome

The family of the late Orovwuje Fidelis, who until his death was a manager with Globus Bank, has raised alarm over what it described as a “suspicious twist” in the investigation into his alleged murder, reportedly linked to his wife, Olajumoke Fidelis Orovwuje (née Akintoye), and her brother.

Fidelis was found dead on February 8, 2026, at his residence located at 5 Unity Close, Unity Estate, off CMD Road, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos. Initial police investigations led to the arrest and arraignment of his wife, a staff member of MTN, after detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, reportedly established a case against her based on what was described as overwhelming evidence. She was subsequently remanded in custody pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

An autopsy conducted by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital confirmed that the deceased died from injuries sustained during an attack involving both blunt and sharp force trauma. Investigators also relied on CCTV footage from the estate, which allegedly showed the suspect and her brother, identified simply as Abe, as the last persons seen with the deceased prior to his death.

However, in a development that has sparked controversy, the DPP’s legal advice reportedly stated that there was no prima facie case linking the suspects to the crime. The advice was said to have been signed by a former Director of Public Prosecutions, after he had reportedly vacated the office—raising concerns from the deceased’s family about the credibility of the process.

In a petition addressed to the Lagos State Attorney General through their legal representatives, Aham Harbour & Co., the family called for an immediate review of the DPP’s advice, alleging inconsistencies with the evidence gathered during police investigations.

According to the petition signed by the firm’s principal partner, Barrister Ahamefula Harbour, the circumstances surrounding Fidelis’ death point strongly to foul play. The family cited the restricted access policy of the estate, absence of forced entry, and the suspect’s admission of a quarrel with the deceased on the eve of his death as critical elements suggesting culpability.

The petition further questioned the suspect’s account of events, noting discrepancies in her claims, including her statement about attending church on the morning of the incident, which police reportedly could not verify due to inconclusive CCTV footage from the church.

Additionally, the family expressed suspicion over the involvement of the suspect’s brother, who was allegedly captured on estate surveillance entering the premises around the time the crime was believed to have occurred. Authorities at SCID, Panti, are said to be continuing investigations to determine his possible role.

The petition also highlighted what it described as unusual conduct by the suspect following the incident, including her failure to notify the deceased’s immediate family members in Lagos, instead contacting a relative based in the United States.

The family maintained that the weight of circumstantial evidence, including forensic findings and the sequence of events, establishes a prima facie case against the suspects. They further alleged that attempts were made by the suspect’s family to secure her release prior to her arraignment but were unsuccessful due to the strength of the case.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the DPP’s position, the family urged the attorney general to intervene and ensure a fresh, unbiased review of the case file, insisting that justice must be served.

“The deceased’s family does not want his death to be in vain. They are calling for the full weight of the law to be applied so that those responsible are held accountable,” the petition stated.

The matter is scheduled to come up at the Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court on April 30, 2026.