Nwachukwu Placidus, a former bank manager, has been sentenced to 121 years in prison for stealing funds belonging to a customer. The stolen amount was N112,100,000 in fixed deposit funds. The sentence was given by Justice S. N. Odili of the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Placidus was previously serving as the manager of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) at the Onitsha branch. His arrest came after a petition was filed by Idemili Microfinance Bank LTD to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Placidus was arraigned on 16 counts related to forgery, theft, obtaining by pretence, and uttering.
One of the counts against Placidus stated that he obtained the sum of N112,100,000 from Idemili Microfinance Bank between February 2009 and November 2014 in Onitsha, Anambra State. Placidus obtained the money under the false pretence that he had placed the money in a fixed deposit account with First City Monument Bank PLC. Placidus pleaded not guilty to the charges upon their reading, which initiated the commencement of his trial.
Throughout the trial, the EFCC presented four witnesses and submitted numerous pertinent documents, all of which were accepted as evidence. The prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, according to Justice Odili. The convict was sentenced to nine years imprisonment on count 3, 4 years on count 4, and 9 years on counts 5 to 16 respectively. However, he was discharged on counts 1 and 2. The sentences will run concurrently. The court ordered Placidus to restitute the said sum to his victim, Idemili Microfinance Bank.