JUST IN: Governorship Candidate Sent To Jail Over Corruption (PHOTO)

JUST IN: Governorship Candidate Sent To Jail Over Corruption (PHOTO)

Bassey Akpan, the senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, has been sentenced to 42 years in prison without the option of a fine for corruption.

Akpan, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State, was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Senator Akpan was found guilty on a six-count charge of money laundering and receiving exotic cars worth two hundred and four million naira by the presiding judge, Justice Agatha Okeke, on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

During the hearing, Defense Counsel Solomon Umoh (SAN) pleaded with the Court for leniency, citing the convict’s young wife and children.

Read Also Drama As Tribunal Rejects Adeleke’s Blurry Certificates

He also requested that the court temper justice with mercy by including a fine option. However, the EFCC objected, citing legal authority to persuade the court not to impose a fine, especially given that the court did not impose the maximum sentence.

The anti-graft agency charged Akpan with corruption on June 24, 2019, at the Federal High Court in Uyo.

He was accused of receiving a BMW X5 (bulletproof) worth N50 million from Jide Omokore in December 2012, as well as another Infinity QX 56 (bulletproof) worth N45 million from the same source.

He also received a Toyota Landcruiser V8(bulletproof) valued at N40 million in November 2013, and a Range Rover valued at N40 million in March 2014. In September 2014, the businessman also received another Toyota Hiace High Roof bus worth N27 million.

He was also charged with receiving six Toyota Hilux vehicles valued at N36 million and six Toyota Hiace High Roof buses valued at N16 million between 2012 and 2014.

The EFCC, which was investigating money used for the 2015 elections, singled out Jide Omokore as a possible conduit for illegal funds used for elections. During his interrogation, the businessman mentioned his numerous transactions with Obong Bassey Albert, a state commissioner who is now a senator.

Meanwhile, the senator has been transferred to the Correctional Centre in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where he will serve his sentence.

Stay Updated With More News By Joining Our WhatsApp Group With The Link Below

https://chat.whatsapp.com/K4lp5EKuqaACBUywirqziW