Ekweremadu, Akpan charged over alleged asset fraud

The Federal Government has filed fresh criminal charges against Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Albert Bassey Akpan before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

In the two-count charge against Ekweremadu, he was alleged to have on or about March 28, 2018 failed to declare his assets in “a manner prescribed by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property contrary and punishable under Section 3 (3) (1) of the Recovery of Public Properties Special Provisions Act, 2004.

The Federal Government also charged Senator Akpan for alleged refusal to declare his asset without reasonable excuse and upon notice to declare your assets before the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property contrary to Section 3 (3) (1) (a) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provision) Act 2004.

Also, the Federal Government filed an ex parte motion on Wednesday seeking leave to serve the court processes on Senator Akpan, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial in Akwa Ibom State, by substituted means.

The prosecution led by Cletus Ukpong also demanded an order for interim forfeiture of House No 18 Jubril Aminu Crescent, Diplomatic Zone, Katampe Extension Abuja and House 4 No 22 Road Benson Idahosa Close, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja “pending the investigation of allegation against the senator bordering on false asset declaration, and diversion of public funds, conspiracy, abuse of office and possession of wealth and beyond his legitimate incomes as public officer or suspicion of assets.”

Meanwhile, Justice John Tsoho acceded to the application for substituted service on the defendants to enable them appear before the court.

The judge fixed October 22 for the hearing of the case against Ekweremadu and November 19 for Akpan’s.