A former manager with Sterling Bank and Account Relationship Officer of OHHA Microfinance Bank, Mr Oliver Anidiobi, has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, for forgery and stealing to the tune of N219million.
He was sentenced on Tuesday, November 2, by Justice C. O. Ajah of the Enugu State High Court in Enugu, after a 32-count charge prosecution.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Command, the defendant, arraigned on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, used his position to convince the Microfinance Bank to deposit the said sum through him.
He put 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.
Anidiobi 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. He further made an investment of N65million in a Ponzi Scheme called “Let’s Partner with You” owned by one Patrick Nwokike.
The judge sentenced Oliver Anidiobi to 4 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.
The court further ruled that an estate valuer is to evaluate Anidiobi’s properties at his village, Centenary City and Premier Layout, New Artisan, Enugu. This will help determine their value so that they can be sold and the proceeds paid in restitution to OHHA Microfinance Bank.
