Supreme Court Affirms 7-Year Jail Term for Senator Albert Bassey in N240m Fraud Case

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the conviction and seven-year prison sentence of Senator Albert Bassey over a N240 million fraud case, bringing to a close a protracted legal battle.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on February 27, 2026, a five-member panel of the apex court upheld the earlier decisions of the trial court and the Court of Appeal, confirming Bassey’s conviction secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also restored an order directing him to refund N204 million to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah ruled that while the conviction and sentence imposed on June 23, 2023, were valid, the Court of Appeal erred when it voided the restitution order earlier granted by the trial court.

“The conviction and sentencing imposed by the lower court are hereby affirmed,” Justice Adah held. “However, the order avoiding the restitution granted by the trial court did not follow the law. It is hereby nullified and the restitution of N204 million as ordered by the trial court is restored.”

From Commissioner to Convict

Bassey’s prosecution stemmed from his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State. He was arraigned before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court on a seven-count charge bordering on corruption and abuse of office.

The EFCC, led by prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), accused him of receiving 12 luxury vehicles valued at N254 million as bribes while in office.

On December 1, 2022, the trial court found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on each count — totalling 42 years. The sentences, however, were to run concurrently.

Appeal and Final Verdict

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Bassey approached the Court of Appeal, where a three-member panel upheld his conviction but introduced an option of fine and set aside the restitution order.

The EFCC challenged aspects of that decision, leading to the final appeal before the Supreme Court.

With Friday’s judgment, the apex court not only affirmed the conviction and seven-year term but also reinstated the N204 million restitution order, effectively ending the legal contest.

Anti-Corruption Signal

Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance against public sector corruption and strengthens accountability in public office.

The EFCC described the verdict as a major affirmation of its anti-corruption mandate and a victory for the rule of law.

With the conviction now conclusively upheld, Bassey is expected to serve his sentence while complying with the court-ordered repayment to the Akwa Ibom State Government.