A Civil Society Organisation, known as Professionals for Integrity and Good Governance, has called on President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and the National Judicial Council to investigate the controversial bail granted to Senator Bassey Akpan of the Young Progressives Party, representing Akwa Ibom North-East. This call follows Senator Akpan’s conviction for fraud by a Federal High Court in Uyo, which sentenced him to seven years in prison on each of the six counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 1, 2022. Morris Alozie, the Co-Convener of the CSO, expressed at a press conference in Abuja that granting bail to Akpan undermines the integrity of the country’s legal system and represents a setback in the fight against corruption.
Alozie alleged that although Akpan was granted bail on health grounds, he has continued to engage in physically demanding political activities and sports, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his medical condition. He urged President Buhari to investigate the circumstances surrounding Akpan’s transfer from Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre to a hospital, which he claimed disregarded legal provisions and undermined the fight against corruption. Additionally, he called for an inquiry by the National Judicial Council into the actions of Hon. Justice S. I. Mark, who granted the bail on what Alozie described as legally untenable grounds. He also urged the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to appeal the decision to release Akpan, emphasizing that if he is fit enough to play golf, he should remain in prison for his crimes.
The CSO further argued that allowing Senator Akpan to evade punishment tarnishes the reputation of the legal system and suggests that there are no consequences for wrongdoing, especially after a conviction. Alozie noted that following his conviction, Akpan was initially taken to the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre, a development that was welcomed by many as a significant step in the fight against corruption. However, he expressed concern that Akpan was moved to a hospital just days later under questionable circumstances, violating the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, which stipulates that an inmate must be seriously ill and certified by a medical officer before being transferred to a hospital. Alozie asserted that Akpan was not seriously ill, and the medical officer at the centre did not certify his condition, especially given that Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre is considered one of the best prison facilities in West Africa.
The CSO condemned the ruling that led to Akpan’s release as an abuse of judicial power. Alozie pointed out that Akpan sought bail from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, despite being convicted in Uyo, claiming to have longstanding health issues. He criticized the court’s decision to grant bail, which contradicted the rulings of superior courts regarding bail in similar circumstances. The speed with which the bail application was processed—taking only eight working days—was described as alarming and suspicious. Alozie emphasized that many inmates suffering from more severe ailments than Akpan’s have been denied bail, particularly after their convictions, which strip them of the presumption of innocence.
The CSO also highlighted that since his release, Akpan has been seen participating in golf and attending various political meetings, contradicting claims of ill health. Alozie stated, “He is well and whole at the moment. It takes a healthy person to engage in leisure activities.” He further argued that if Akpan were genuinely unwell, prison would be the best place for him to rest. Notably, Akpan participated in a televised governorship debate shortly after his release, raising questions about the legitimacy of the health claims that led to his bail.
In response, Senator Akpan’s media aide, Mr. Victor Essik, dismissed the CSO’s call as politically motivated, suggesting that those making the claims were merely idle political jobbers. He asserted that Akpan was granted bail by a competent court on health grounds and has been receiving medical attention since then. Essik claimed that Akpan has not attended political campaigns, as his wife and campaign organization have been managing those activities. He characterized the CSO’s actions as panic-driven, given the challenges faced by the governor’s candidate, Umo Eno, and defended Akpan’s participation in the debate as being in accordance with his doctor’s instructions, thus not violating any bail conditions.
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