Mr. Oliver Anidiobi, a former manager with Sterling Bank and Account Relationship Officer of OHHA Microfinance Bank has been sentenced to18 years imprisonment, for forgery and stealing of N219million.
Anidiobi 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.
Mr Anidiobi through his position convinced the microfinance bank to deposit the said amount through him. He further proceeded to fix the money in a fixed deposit account and forged a deposit certificate to deceive the microfinance bank which he succeeded at doing while he diverted the funds to his account for personal use.
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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.
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During his trial, the prosecution counsel Michael Ani presented 5 witnesses and tendered 75 exhibits while the defendant testified for himself.
Justice Ajah adjourned the case to November 2, 2021, for judgment.
after the last hearing on October 8, 2021,
The Judge said;
“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 4 years imprisonment on counts 1-14 without an option of a 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.
His properties however will be evaluated by an estate valuer to help determine their values so that they can be sold and the proceeds paid in restitution to OHHA microfinance bank.
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