
Crime
Fraud: Enugu High Court awards N225 million against Sterling Bank


An Enugu State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Chinyere Ani (PHD), has
awarded the sum of N225, Million Naira to Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited,
Enugu against Sterling Bank Plc.
The Sterling manager at its’ Market Road branch Enugu, Mr. Oliver Anidiobi, defrauded Ohha Microfinace bank of the sum of N219,
million Naira by issuing Ohha Microfinance Bank fake “Fixed Deposit Certificates.”
Oliver Chukwuka, was the branch manager of Sterling Bank Plc, 2, Market Road, Enugu, when he stole and converted to personal use the sum of N219 Million Naira depositors funds which Ohha Microfinance
Bank Limited Enugu, kept in a fixed Deposit account with Sterling Bank Plc, its’ corresponding bank.
The bank manager has long been remanded in prison custody for fraud.
The Plaintiff Ohha Microfinance Bank had through its’ lawyer Olu Omotayo Esq.
filed a suit against Sterling Bank Plc on 3rd October, 2019, in Suit No.E/857/2019, OHHA MICROFINANCE BANK V. STERLING BANK PLC, and claimed against the Defendant N 600,000,000.00 (Six Hundred Million
Naira) representing damages for breach of contract. N300,000,000.00 , of which represents N 138,900, 838.89 for the first fixed deposit and also the accumulated interest thereon and also N 80,134,062.61, for the second fixed deposit and also the
accumulated interest on it.
In response the defendant in the case, Sterling Bank Plc argued through his lawyer
O.J. Uchenna Esq. that it was not bound by the acts of Oliver Anidiobi its’ manager
and denied having any of the Fixed deposits of the plaintiff on its’ record and that
its’ manager Oliver Anidiobi lacked authority to act for it in that regard.
The Court in over one hour Judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Ani agreed with
the submission of Olu Omotayo Esq. that the Fixed deposits certificates given to
Ohha Microfinance Bank by the defendant were authentic because Oliver Anidiobi was the manager of the defendants’ Market road branch at the time and his act as an agent of Sterling Bank Plc is binding on the bank.
The Court further held that in the statement of Oliver Anidiobi to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) which was admitted in evidence in this
suit, Oliver Anidiobi admitted collecting the sum of N219 million Naira from Ohha
Bank, which he diverted to personal use and issued certificates he forged to the
Microfinance bank.
The Court held that Oliver Anidiobi as the bank manager of Sterling bank at that material time acted on behalf of the defendant in the course of normal transaction of the bank.
The Court further held that the issue to be considered is whether Sterling Bank as the principal is liable for the fraudulent act of the agent (Oliver Anidiobi).
The Court held that Oliver Anidiobi a branch manager of the bank has full authority to deal with customers and that the transaction is lawful and Oliver Anidiobi acted within the course of his work and the
Plaintiff trusted him and rely on him as the bank manager of the defendant.
There will be chaos in the system if customers cannot rely on representation of a bank manager in the course of banking
transactions.
The Court therefore awarded the sum of N225million Naira as damages to
the Plaintiff, Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited.
Crime
Two Policemen Killed As Gunmen Attack DPO’s Convoy in Benue

Two police officers have been killed after suspected armed herders ambushed the convoy of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest attack occurred on Monday evening, barely four days after another deadly incident in the community reportedly left four policemen and seven residents dead.
Community sources said the DPO had travelled to Makurdi on official duty and was returning to Ayilamo when his entourage came under attack.
One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were among newly deployed Mobile Police officers stationed in the area.
He said the officers were attacked at about 6pm while travelling from Ayilamo to escort the DPO back to the community from Makurdi.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said two officers attached to the DPO’s entourage were killed in the attack.
“The DPO came to Makurdi to collect some things, and while returning to Ayilamo, he was attacked and lost two of his men in the attack,” Aondongu said.
The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Ayilamo, where repeated attacks have resulted in casualties among security personnel and residents.
Crime
Police Place Nigeria on Red Alert Over Planned Attacks

The Nigeria Police Force has placed its formations nationwide on red alert following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks on worship centres, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other public places.
The alert followed fresh intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on vulnerable targets across the country.
Police authorities also reportedly received intelligence on the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The operational order was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, with reference number CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, issued by the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important,” the message was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The police directed formations to intensify vigilance and take proactive measures to prevent criminal and terrorist elements from carrying out attacks.
The warning specifically highlighted places of worship, educational institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public locations as potential targets.
Crime
Kidnappers Dump 16-Year-Old Enugu Boy Near Onitsha Checkpoint, Police Rescue Him

A 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been rescued in Onitsha, Anambra State, after his abductors reportedly abandoned him near a security checkpoint.
Ayogu was rescued on the evening of September 13, 2026, by a joint security patrol team operating along Oguta Road, Onitsha.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the teenager was found at Ekene Junction after unidentified persons reportedly pushed him out of a black Toyota Highlander SUV close to a security checkpoint.
The patrol team immediately intervened and rescued the victim, thereby preventing what the police described as further danger to his life.
Following the rescue, the Command said it had intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend members of the suspected criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
The police also appealed to residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State who may have useful information about Ayogu or his family to contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command in Awka.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the security personnel involved in the rescue and directed officers to sustain strategic checkpoints, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated security operations across the state.
The Command assured residents and visitors that it would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements from using Anambra as a safe haven.
Crime
Gunmen Attack Commercial Bus, Kill Nine Passengers

At least nine passengers have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 9:40 p.m. when the bus, which was travelling towards Jos, stopped at the junction to drop off some passengers.
Several other passengers were reportedly injured in the attack and rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Lawan Suleiman, a neighbour and teacher of one of the victims, identified the driver as Ibrahim and said three of the victims were from his community in Bukuru.
“The driver is Ibrahim and he was my student. Three of them are from our community here in Bukuru. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital. But relatives are preparing to collect them for burial,” Suleiman said.
The bus was reportedly riddled with bullets, with bloodstains visible inside the vehicle after the attack.
Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were passengers travelling to Jos when the attackers opened fire on the vehicle.
Tengwong said one of those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow.
“The incident happened around 9.40 p.m. The victims were all passengers travelling to Jos when the terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. Among those killed was a member of Operation Rainbow. It is a very sad development and we lament the loss of lives,” he said.
He added that some passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospitals, while some of the injured reportedly later died.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commuters travelling along the route at night amid continuing security challenges in parts of Plateau State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Crime
Enugu Police Probe Alleged Disruption of Political Gatherings, Warn Against Violence

The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into two separate incidents of alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
The incidents reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to thoroughly investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
According to the statement, armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted a National Democratic Congress (NDC) ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia with sporadic gunshots, leaving two attendees injured.
In a separate incident at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally.
The police said operatives were promptly deployed to both locations after receiving reports of the incidents to prevent further breaches of peace and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Command, however, noted that neither of the political gatherings had been formally brought to the attention of the police for security coverage.
CP Giwa reiterated his warning that all political activities in the state must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
He stressed that electoral offences are punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace or the electoral process.
The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable the Command to make adequate security arrangements.
He assured residents that the police would continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities while dealing decisively with anyone found violating the law.
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