Senator Albert Bassey representing Akwa Ibom North East at the National Assembly has been convicted of money laundering.
On Thursday, Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State sentenced Senator Bassey to 42 years imprisonment.
The court found the lawmaker guilty of a six-count charge of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC said Senator Bassey was prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on allegation of receiving a vehicle valued at N204 million as a bribe from companies linked to one Olajide Omokore, a contractor who executed a N3billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State while he was Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.
The offence contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act, EFCC said.
The maximum sentence for each count is fourteen years. The judge pronounced that he is to serve seven years for each of the six counts.
He is to return N204m as restitution to the Federal Government after serving the sentence.
The judge did not include an option of a fine. The Defence counsel, Solomon Offiong (SAN) pleaded that the court tampers Justice with mercy and includes an option of a fine.
But EFCC opposed the plea, citing legal authority to convince the court not to give a fine as an option of fine, particularly in light of the fact that the court has not opted for the maximum sentence.
The convicted senator was a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) before he defected months ago to the YPP, where he secured the party’s ticket for the 2023 governorship election.
He was a major challenger to the PDP candidate, Umo Eno, in next year’s governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.
Dear Readers, Good and credible news reportage is tedious task and requires huge finances.
We are soliciting your Noble support for as low as N1,000 your support would go a long way in assisting us to continue to guarantee our readers quality news.
Bank transfers can be made to:
Account Name: Harvest and Commercial
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Number: 0078627735