Bank Threatens To Sue EFCC Over Property Recovered From Fraudster ‘That Has Gone Missing’

Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited has issued an ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding that they produce an uncompleted four-bedroom bungalow recovered from a fraudster within three months.

The bank claims that a court ordered the sale of the property and payment to the bank in 2019, but the EFCC has yet to comply.

In a pre-action notice dated January 28, 2025, the bank warned that it would sue the EFCC and seek N100 million in compensation if the property is not produced within the stipulated time frame.

The notice, signed by Olu Omotayo Esq, on behalf of the bank reminded the EFCC chairman of the bank’s petition dated February 9, 2024, which requested the Zonal Office to investigate the matter.

Interestingly, the EFCC had previously convicted a former bank manager, Oliver Anidiobi, for diverting N219 million from OHHA Microfinance Bank.

Anidiobi was found guilty of using the funds to build a block of flats, acquire plots of land, and construct an uncompleted four-bedroom bungalow. “… matter was investigated by the Enugu Zonal office of the Commission and the suspect Oliver Anidiobi charged to the court by the Commission on 7th May 2019, in Charge Number: E/162C/19, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA VS. ANIDIOBI OLIVER CHUWUKA,” the bank explained.

“At the conclusion of the trial, the accused person was sentenced to eight years, imprisonment and three properties which he acquired with the proceeds of the crimes ordered to be attached and sold and the proceeds be paid to Ohha Microfinance Bank Ltd.