Justice S.N. Odili of the Anambra State High Court has sentenced Nwachukwu Placidus, a former manager at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in Onitsha, to 121 years in prison for diverting a customer’s fixed deposit funds worth N112.1 million for personal use.
Placidus was arraigned on March 27, 2018, on 16 counts of forgery, stealing, obtaining by false pretense, and uttering. He pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented four witnesses and tendered documents as evidence.The court found Placidus guilty and sentenced him to 9 years on count 3, 4 years on count 4, and 9 years on counts 5-16. The sentences will run concurrently. He was discharged on counts 1 and 2.
The court also ordered Placidus to restitute the victim, Idemili Microfinance Bank. The convict’s troubles began when the bank alleged that he had diverted funds meant for a fixed deposit account. Investigations revealed that Placidus had issued a fake fixed deposit certificate and used the money for personal gain.This case highlights the EFCC’s commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims of fraud.
