News spreading across town today is the conviction of Dr. Doyin Okupe of some charges levied against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
While the Court had held that the Prosecution has failed to prove the charges of money laundering against Dr. Okupe and acquitted him of the charges relating to same, the Court convicted him of the charges relating to the receipt of monies above the threshold permitted by the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The Court held that though he was a victim of circumstances, the law is trite and ignorance of same cannot be an excuse.
The Court, in the exercise of its discretion pursuant to Section 311 of the ACJA and after receiving character evidence in favour of Dr. Okupe pursuant to Section 310 of the ACJA sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment (to run concurrently) or an option of the fine of N500,000 (consecutively) for each count. Dr. Okupe has exercised the option of fine and a warrant of release has been signed by the Judge accordingly. Dr. Okupe is already enjoying his freedom.
Following his conviction, Dr. Okupe has instructed his counsel, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN to appeal the said conviction.