Supreme Court Upholds 7-Year Jail Term for Senator Albert Bassey Over N240m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a major legal victory as the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday, February 27, 2026, affirmed the conviction and seven-year prison sentence handed to Senator Albert Bassey over a N240 million fraud case.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, the five-member panel upheld the earlier rulings of the trial court and the Court of Appeal, confirming Bassey’s conviction. The apex court also restored the order directing him to refund N204 million to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

“The conviction and sentencing imposed by the lower court on June 23, 2023, is hereby affirmed,” Justice Adah ruled, adding that the Court of Appeal erred when it set aside the restitution order earlier granted by the trial court. The Supreme Court consequently reinstated the refund of N204 million as originally ordered.

Bassey’s legal troubles began following his prosecution by the EFCC before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court. He was arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on bribery, including receiving 12 vehicles valued at N254 million while serving as Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State.

On December 1, 2022, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to seven years imprisonment on each charge, amounting to 42 years. Although the sentences were to run concurrently, he subsequently appealed the judgment.

The Court of Appeal upheld his conviction and introduced an option of fine, a decision that was ultimately overturned in part by the Supreme Court, which reaffirmed both the prison term and the restitution order.

The ruling marks a significant milestone in the EFCC’s sustained efforts to combat corruption and enforce accountability in public office.