Ex-bank manager jailed 18 years for N219m fraud

A former manager with Sterling Bank and Account Relationship Officer of OHHA Microfinance Bank, Mr. Oliver Anidiobi, has been convicted for fraud.

Justice C.O Ajah of the Enugu State High Court convicted Anidiobi on a 32-count charge bordering on forgery and stealing to the tune of N219 million.

The defendant who was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday May, 7, 2019 allegedly used his position to convince the microfinance bank to deposit the said sum through him.

He proceeded to fix the money in a fixed deposit account and forged a deposit certificate to deceive the microfinance bank, while he diverted the funds for personal use.

With the money, he built a block of 5 flats, acquired several plots of land along the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway, an uncompleted four bedroom bungalow at Centenary Estate, Enugu and also made an investment of N65 million in a Ponzi Scheme called “Let’s Partner with You” owned by one Mr. Patrick Nwokike.

In the course of his trial, the prosecution counsel, Michael Ani, presented five witnesses and tendered 75 exhibits while the defendant testified for himself.

At the last hearing on October 8, 2021, Justice Ajah adjourned to November 2 for judgement.

The Judge on Tuesday held that “the accused person did not deny nor challenge the allegations made by the EFCC. Any evidence not challenged is admitted as true. I am duty bound to establish the evidence presented by the prosecution. The evidence is strong and compelling to grant conviction.”

Justice Ajah consequently convicted and sentenced Oliver Anidiobi to four years imprisonment on counts 1-14 without an option of fine; 4 years on counts 15-17 and 8 years on counts 28-32 without an option of fine.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

An estate valuer is to evaluate the defendant’s properties at his village, Centenary city, Enugu and Premier Layout, New Artisan, Enugu; to help determine their values so that they can be sold and the proceeds paid in restitution to OHHA microfinance bank.