Doyin Okupe, former Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and director-general of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, on Monday evening paid the sum of N13 million in leu of a two year jail term bagged for N240 money laundering offence.
Investogist reported earlier that Justice Ijeoma Ojuwku of the federal high court in Abuja on Monday convicted Okupe for breaching the money laundering act.
Okupe was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2019 on a 59-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and diversion of funds to the tune of N702 million.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu on Monday found Okupe guilty of receiving over N200 million cash from former National Security Adviser (NSA). Col. Sambo Dasuki.
“I find the first defendant, Dr. Doyin Okupe, guilty on counts 34, 35, 36, and 59,” the court ruled. Incounts 34 through 59, Okupe was accused of receiving various sums ranging from N10 million on different occasions from 2012 to 2015 when he was SSA to president Jonathan.
Justice Ojukwu had ordered that the 26 counts Okupe was convicted on, attract 2-year jail-term each that would run concurrently. This implies that the convict would only spend two years in prison.
The judge, however, gave an option of N500, 000 fine in each of the counts, amounting to N13 million, which must be paid before 4:30pm (the close of work) today.
She ordered that Okupe should be taken to Kuje Correctional Centre to serve his prison term if he failed to meet the option of fine within the time frame.
Investogist gathered that Okupe whose wife and son pleaded for leniency after he was convicted had paid the money.
Testifying to Okupe’s good character, Mrs Omolola said “I got married to him on the 1st of May, 1991.
“My husband is a very good person. He had been a role model to myself and children with sound Christian values
“I have never found him in any allegation of this before,. I will like to appeal to the court for leniency.
“My husband has dedicated his life to serve the nation and he is not here today because he is found guilty of the offence but because of his mistake.
“I ask the court to consider his health and age which is 70 years.
“He has run his family effectively my lord,” she said.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.