Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The attempt by a former Manager of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Oliver Anidiobi, to reclaim a property acquired with proceeds of crime has failed, as an Enugu State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Cyprian Ajah (PhD) struck out his suit.
This was disclosed in a human rights update issued on Tuesday in Enugu by the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), through its President, Olu Omotayo, Esq.
Anidiobi, who was convicted and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on November 2, 2021, for forgery and theft of N219 million deposited by Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited for a fixed deposit, was granted pardon on December 31, 2024, by Governor Peter Mbah under the state’s prerogative of mercy.
Following his release, Anidiobi filed a suit seeking to recover one of the properties acquired through the illicit funds, which the court had earlier ordered to be attached and sold, with the proceeds paid to Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited, the nominal complainant.
The suit, filed as Suit No. E/911M/2025: OLIVER ANIDIOBI vs. THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & 5 ORS, listed as respondents: the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Ohha Microfinance Bank Ltd; the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State; the Chairman, Prerogative of Mercy, Ministry of Justice, Enugu State; and the Chief Registrar, High Court, Enugu.
At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, C. F. Oziri (Miss) appeared for the applicant, while Olu Omotayo, Esq. represented Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited. Michael Ani appeared for the EFCC, and D. C. Odugu represented the Attorney General of Enugu State.
Counsel to the applicant, Miss Oziri, applied to withdraw the suit, and the respondents’ counsels did not oppose the application.
In his ruling, Justice Ajah held that since there was no objection from the respondents, the matter was accordingly struck out.
