The Senator was found guilty of fraud and convicted on Thursday, December 1, by a Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
The lawmaker was arraigned after an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that he misappropriated public funds and stole 12 cars worth N254 million while he was serving as the Akwa Ibom State’s finance commissioner from 2007 to 2014. He was arraigned on six counts of charges including corruption and money laundering.
The lawmaker was arraigned after an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that he misappropriated public funds and stole 12 cars worth N254 million while he was serving as the Akwa Ibom State’s finance commissioner from 2007 to 2014. He was arraigned on six counts of charges including corruption and money laundering.
Justice Agatha Okeke who presided over the case, in his verdict, served Albert Akpan 7 years for each of the six-count charges and committed him to Ikot Ekpene correctional center, where he will serve his decades of jail term.
Knowledge Trend Media learned that Bassey Albert Akpan while serving as commissioner for finance in Akwa Ibom received several bulletproof cars including an N50 Million worth BMW X5 from one Jide Omokere in 2010.
Between 2012 and 2013, he received two bulletproof cars (Infinity QX 56 and Toyota Landcruiser V8) valued at N45 million and N40 million, respectively. And between 2012 to 2014, he received other vehicles including Toyota Hilux and buses.
Knowledge Trend Media learned that Bassey Albert Akpan while serving as commissioner for finance in Akwa Ibom received several bulletproof cars including an N50 Million worth BMW X5 from one Jide Omokere in 2010.
Between 2012 and 2013, he received two bulletproof cars (Infinity QX 56 and Toyota Landcruiser V8) valued at N45 million and N40 million, respectively. And between 2012 to 2014, he received other vehicles including Toyota Hilux and buses.
The senator and gubernatorial candidate committed the crime in association with one Jide Omokore, an oil marketer and a close associate of former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke (currently in jail over corruption charges).
Senator Albert, until his sentence was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream even as he prepared to take part in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State.
This was not the first time Bassey Albert has been charged over corruption. He was first arrested in 2018 and arraigned in the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court after repeatedly refusing to honor invitations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Senator Albert, until his sentence was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream even as he prepared to take part in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State.
This was not the first time Bassey Albert has been charged over corruption. He was first arrested in 2018 and arraigned in the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court after repeatedly refusing to honor invitations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was freed after his lawyers accused the court of jurisdictional limitations leading to the case's dismissal. The EFCC filed this fresh case against him in 2019 at the Uyo Division of the Federal High Court.
It is not clear if the defendant council will make appeal to redress the case, but Mr. Albert's conviction means a great shift in the state's political race as he was one of the strongest opponent against the ruling party, PDP.
It is not clear if the defendant council will make appeal to redress the case, but Mr. Albert's conviction means a great shift in the state's political race as he was one of the strongest opponent against the ruling party, PDP.
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