By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Supreme Court on Friday in Abuja upheld the conviction and seven-year prison sentence of former Akwa Ibom North-East Senator, Albert Bassey Akpan, for money laundering, and restored a restitution order of N204 million. The five-man panel, led by Justice Stephen Adah, dismissed Akpan’s appeal and reaffirmed earlier judgments delivered by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The court ruled that Akpan breached Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, while serving as Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance.
Supreme Court Affirms Lower Court Judgments
In a unanimous decision, the apex court found no reason to overturn the conviction. Justice Adah held that the trial court acted within the law when it convicted and sentenced the former lawmaker.
The justices also faulted the Court of Appeal for setting aside the restitution order. Consequently, the Supreme Court reinstated the order directing Akpan to pay N204 million.
“The order of this court is that the conviction and sentence imposed by the lower court on June 23, 2023, is affirmed,” the court ruled.
Background of the Case
Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court in Oyo first convicted Akpan in June 2023. The court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for money laundering offences.
Investigators established that Akpan received 12 exotic vehicles as bribes. The vehicles were valued at over N254 million. Companies handling a N3 billion contract for the Akwa Ibom State Government supplied the cars.
At the time, Akpan served as Commissioner for Finance. Later, he represented Akwa Ibom North-East in the Senate from 2015 to 2023.
Appeal and Final Verdict
After the conviction, Akpan approached the Court of Appeal. The appellate court dismissed his appeal but failed to uphold the restitution order of N240 million to the Federal Government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Dissatisfied, Akpan filed a further appeal at the Supreme Court. However, the apex court dismissed the appeal and restored the restitution order.
With this judgment, the Supreme Court has brought the legal battle to a close.
