Court Strikes Out Ex-Sterling Bank Manager’s Suit to Reclaim Seized Properties

‎An Enugu State High Court has dismissed a suit filed by Oliver Anidiobi, a former branch manager of Sterling Bank Plc, who was convicted of stealing ₦219 million belonging to Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited.

‎Anidiobi, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for forgery and theft, had approached the court seeking to recover properties he purchased with the stolen funds. These assets had earlier been ordered by the court to be seized and sold to compensate Ohha Microfinance Bank.

‎The case, filed under Suit No. E/911M/2025, listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, EFCC, Ohha Microfinance Bank, the Enugu State Attorney General, the Chairman of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee, and the Chief Registrar of the Enugu High Court as respondents.

‎According to reports, Anidiobi, while managing the Sterling Bank branch, diverted ₦219 million that Ohha Microfinance Bank had deposited as a fixed deposit. When he failed to return the funds, the microfinance bank petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which later charged him to court.

‎In November 2021, Justice Cyprian Ajah found Anidiobi guilty and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment, ordering that three of his properties traced to the stolen funds be sold, with proceeds returned to Ohha Microfinance Bank.

‎His appeal to the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was dismissed in September 2023, with the appellate court upholding the initial judgment.

‎After spending three years behind bars, Governor Peter Mbah granted Anidiobi a state pardon in December 2024 under the Prerogative of Mercy.

‎However, a few months after regaining his freedom, Anidiobi filed a fresh suit to reclaim the confiscated properties an action that drew public attention.

‎During Monday’s hearing, his counsel, C.F. Oziri (Mss), applied to withdraw the case. Lawyers representing the EFCC, Ohha Microfinance Bank, and the Enugu State Attorney General did not oppose the withdrawal.

‎Justice Cyprian Ajah consequently ruled that since there was no objection from the respondents, “the suit is hereby struck out accordingly.”