The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday, February 27, 2026, affirmed the conviction and seven-year prison sentence imposed on Senator Albert Bassey while restoring an order directing him to refund N204 million to Akwa Ibom State.
Senator Bassey, a former Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2014, represented Akwa Ibom North East in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Delivering the judgment of a five-member panel, Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, held that the decision of the lower courts convicting the former lawmaker was sound in law. The apex court, however, ruled that the Court of Appeal erred when it set aside the restitution order earlier made by the trial court, thereby restoring the directive that the sum be repaid.
“The conviction and sentencing imposed by the lower court on June 23, 2023 are hereby affirmed,” Justice Adah stated. “The decision of the lower court voiding the restitution order did not follow due process; consequently, that order is nullified and the restitution of N204 million made by the trial court is restored.”
Bassey’s egal troubles stemmed from his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He was charged with receiving bribes in the form of 12 vehicles valued at N254 million while serving as Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State.
The trial court convicted him on all seven counts and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment on each count, amounting to 42 years, on December 1, 2022.
On appeal, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Rapheal Chikwe Agbo upheld the conviction but modified aspects of the sentence, including granting an option of fine. The Supreme Court subsequently reviewed the decision, affirming the conviction while correcting the appellate court’s position on restitution.
The ruling effectively brings the protracted legal battle to a close, reinforcing both the custodial sentence and the financial restitution to the state.
