How ex-Sterling Bank manger, Oliver Anidiobi used customers’ N219m for houses, ponzi scheme

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday secured the conviction of a former manager with Sterling Bank.

The convict, Oliver Anidiobi, was the Account Relationship Officer of OHHA Microfinance Bank.

Justice C. O. Ajah of the Enugu State High Court in Enugu sentenced him after a 32-count charge prosecution.

The charges bordered on forgery and stealing to the tune of N219million.

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.

Prosecution counsel Michael Ani, presented 5 witnesses and tendered 75 exhibits while the defendant testified for himself.

Justice Ajah held that Anidiobi 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”, he said.

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.