Alison-Madueke N264m Bribe: Court Jails Ex-INEC Officials 7 Years

Alison-Madueke N264m Bribe: Court Jails Ex-INEC Officials 7 Years

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday jailed two former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Tijani Bashiru and Christian Nwosu for receiving N264 million bribe from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke to rig the 2015 general elections for seven years.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris sentenced Nwosu to seven years imprisonment on counts one and two, and five years on counts three and four.

While he sentenced Bashir to seven years on count five, and seven years on counts six, seven and eight.

The judge had on Thursday convicted the two former INEC officials but could not sentence them due to the absence of Nwosu in court.

The INEC officials were re-arraigned before the court’ by the anti-graft agency on a nine-count charge of allegedly accepting gratification and fraud.

It will be recalled that Nwosu, who was a former Administrative Secretary of INEC in Kwara State, had pleaded guilty to receiving N30 million bribe from to rig the 2015 general election results, but he later change his plea on the advise of his lawyers.

Another official of the electoral body, Yisa Adedoyin was earlier convicted after pleading guilty to the former charge.
The EFCC had accused Bashiru and Nwosu of allegedly conspired to directly take possession of N264,880.000 which they reasonably ought to have known forms part of an unlawful act, which is gratification.

They also allegedly made cash payment of N70,050,000 to Yisa Adedoyin, which exceeded the amount authorised by law without going through a financial institution.

Bashir was accused of indirectly taking possession of and retaining N164,880,000 which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of gratification.
Bashir was also charged with indirectly retaining N30million, being part of the proceeds of an unlawful act: criminal misappropriation.

The prosecution claimed that the accused person indirectly concealed the N30 million.

The alleged offences were committed on March 27 and April 7, 2015.

Before handing down the verdict, Justice Idris held, “The convicts were officials of INEC and were expected to conduct themselves as impartial umpires in carrying out their activities.

“I understand it to be the mission of INEC to serve as an independent and effective election management body that is committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible election for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

“These convicts by their conduct acted in breach of these objectives. Their actions were a disgrace to the institution and a threat to democracy.
“INEC officials must be made to understand that their conduct must be within the ambit of the law and that anyone who breaches the law will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.
“It must be understood that leadership and governance are serious matters that should be handed over to the most patriotic, best informed minds and the brightest brains for purposes of accountability, responsibility and prosperity of our nation.

“This country must not be allowed to descend into anarchy, despondency and political infamy by the conduct of an official of government.

“This country cannot afford an unhealthy electoral body as we go into the forthcoming election. INEC must note that this country deserves a credible election. Anyone that acts contrary to the law will be dealt with.

“In this regard, the country only needs those with indomitable courage and impeccable political will to perform this duty and those who play ignoble role must be identified.

“Evil communication, they say, corrupts good manners. In the light of the alocutus, the court will temper justice with mercy to the extent only permitted by the law.
“Again, a strong message must be sent to INEC that the eyes of the world is on them. The entire nation is watching and those who decide contrary to their code of office will be identified.

“When they are identified, they will be prosecuted and if found guilty will be punished severely,” the judge stated.