N109m Pension Scam: Ex-Pension Accountant, Abisuga Bags 24months Jail Term
Olaoluwa Folalu
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday secured the conviction of Babatunde Abisuga, a former accountant of the Federal Civil Service Commission, who is being prosecuted on a 5-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and forgery before Justice Maryann Anennih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
He was arraigned alongside Mohammed Ndakupe and Hassan Mohammed Tukur (now late) on April 3, 2012 on a 12-count charge which they pleaded not guilty to.
Abisuga, through his counsel, M. A. Ebute later prayed the court to allow him explore the option of plea bargain since the money had been recovered in full and handed over to the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Justice Anennih, granted his prayers and the prosecution in consideration of the request amended the charge.
The defendant (Abisuga), when re-arraigned pleaded guilty to the 5-count amended charge.
Justice Anennih, in her judgment convicted and sentenced Abisuga to 3 months imprisonment on counts one and two and 6 months imprisonment on counts 5, 6 and 7 without option of fine.
“The conviction is not to punish but to reform the accused person and to deter the public from the ‘get quick rich syndrome”, Justice Anennih added.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
Meanwhile, the judge adjourned to June 7, 2016 for continuation of trial on the charges against the second accused person (Ndakupe) who pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.
