Group Urges NJC To Probe Post-Conviction Bail Granted Akpan

*CSOs Call Politically Motivated, Says Lawmaker

A civil society organisation (CSO), Professionals for Integrity and Good Governance (PIGG), has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe a “controversial bail” granted to Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (YPP – Akwa Ibom North-East) who was convicted of fraud.

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo had on December 1, 2022 sentenced Akpan to seven years imprisonment on each of the six-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Co-Convener of the PIGG, Mr. Morris Alozie, made this appeal at a press conference in Abuja.

The text of the press conference is titled: ‘The release of Senator Albert Bassey from prison: A ridicule of Nigerian legal system and a call for revocation of his bail.’

Alozie, in his presentation, described the bail as a setback for the fight against corruption in the country if allowed to stay.

He insisted that even though Akpan was allegedly granted bail on the basis of ill health, he has continued to engage in hectic and physically exacting political activities and sports thereby making the reason for his bail highly suspicious and questionable.

However, the senator while reacting to the PIGG’s allegations through his media aide, Mr. Victor Essik, described the group’s call as untenable because it was politically motivated.

Essik said Akpan has not been going out for public functions since he was granted bail, contrary to the claims of the PIGG.

He said: “The call by the sponsored group should be disregarded by the NJC because their allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.

” Senator Akpan Bassey didn’t attend any television debate. He was interviewed in his home because he was not strong enough to go out for public functions.”

Meanwhile, the PIGG maintained that the senator was healthy, adding that the circumstances surrounding his bail must be probed by the Judiciary.

The group said: “We therefore call on the National Judicial Council to investigate the circumstances leading to the removal of Senator Bassey from Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre to a hospital in total disregard for the provisions of the law, an act that derails his fight against corruption, and bring to book the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

“We equally want the NJC to cause an investigation to be carried out on Hon. Justice S. I. Mark for granting bail to Senator Bassey on legally untenable and suspicious grounds.

“We are calling on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence in earnest the process of appealing against the decision releasing Senator Bassey forthwith in accordance with the avowed stance of the present government against corruption.

“Since Senator Bassey is fit to play golf, he is also fit to remain in prison, a more relaxing and resting place, for an egregious crime of money laundering he committed.

“Allowing Senator Bassey to walk scot-free paints our legal system in bad light and gives an impression that there is no consequence for bad behaviour especially after the court has found the person guilty.”

He noted that after the conviction, Akpan was taken to the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre to serve his prison term.

Alozie added: “The development was lauded by fair-minded individuals in the society as it marked a quantum leap in the fight against corruption.