The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday secured the conviction of Oliver Anidiobi, Account Relationship Officer of OHHA Microfinance Bank and former manager with Sterling Bank.
Justice C. O. Ajah of the Enugu State High Court in Enugu sentenced Anidiobi 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 make deposits through him to Sterling Bank.
He then 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.
EFCC 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”, Justice Agah said.
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.
