Published 2nd Dec, 2022

By Joseph Adeiye

Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, sentenced Albert Bassey, a Nigerian senator, to 42 years imprisonment for money laundering on Thursday.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bassey had taken bribes from contractor companies when he was a commissioner in Akwa Ibom State.

Bassey allegedly received some vehicles valued at about N204 million as bribes from companies linked to Olajide Omokore, a contractor for the Government of Akwa Ibom State.

“The court found him guilty of six-count of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” EFCC’s statement read in part.

“Senator Bassey was prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on allegation of receiving vehicle valued at N204 million as bribe from companies linked to one Olajide Omokore, a contractor who executed a N3 billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State, whilst Senator Bassey 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.”

Justice Okeke sentenced Bassey to seven years imprisonment on each of the six counts. The judge also ordered the convicted senator to restitute a total sum of N204 million through the EFCC.

The court said that the restitution would be the condition for Bassey’s release after serving out his jail term.

Bassey represents Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

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