Supreme Court Affirms Senator Bassey’s 7-Year Jail Term Over N204m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a landmark victory at the nation’s apex court as the Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the conviction and seven-year prison sentence of Senator Albert Bassey over a N240 million fraud case.

In a unanimous decision delivered on February 27, 2026, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld the earlier judgments of both the trial court and the Court of Appeal, confirming Bassey’s conviction and restoring an order compelling him to refund N204 million to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, who delivered the lead judgment, ruled that while the conviction and sentence imposed on June 23, 2023, remain valid, the Court of Appeal erred in voiding the restitution order earlier granted by the trial court.

“The conviction and sentencing imposed by the lower court are hereby affirmed,” Justice Adah declared. “However, the order of the lower court 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.”

Bassey’s legal troubles began following his prosecution by the EFCC before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The anti-graft agency, led by prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, charged the former Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State with receiving 12 luxury vehicles valued at N254 million as bribes while in office.

On December 1, 2022, the trial court convicted him on all seven counts and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on each count, amounting to a cumulative 42 years.

Although the sentences were to run concurrently, the judgment marked a major anti-corruption milestone at the time.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, Bassey approached the Court of Appeal, where a three-member panel led by Justice Raphael Chikwe Agbo upheld his conviction but introduced an option of fine.

However, the EFCC challenged aspects of that ruling, and the matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which has now put the case to rest by affirming the conviction and reinstating the restitution order.

The ruling effectively closes a prolonged legal battle and reinforces the judiciary’s stance on public sector corruption.

Legal observers say the apex court’s decision strengthens accountability in public office and sends a strong message to politically exposed persons that financial misconduct will attract consequences.

With the conviction now conclusively affirmed, Bassey faces the full weight of the law, including the mandatory repayment of N204 million to the state government.

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