The director-general of the Peter Obi campaign, Doyin Okupe, was a pitiful sight in the premises of the Abuja federal high court on Monday as he pleaded desperately with law enforcement for reprieve after he was found guilty of laundering N240 million.
Okupe served as a media aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and was brought before the court by the EFCC over allegations that he colluded with the former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, to divert funds meant for arms purchase in the fight against terror. He was accused of diverting up to N240 million.
After examining the facts and the evidence brought against Okupe, the court found him guilty of the charge and sentenced him to two years in prison with the option of a fine which amounted to N13 million. He had until 4:30 pm to pay the fine before he was dragged to Kuje Correctional Center.
Whilst scampering around to raise the fine, Doyin Okupe, who cut a pitiful figure, and his lawyer pleaded with the law enforcement officers who stood guard to enforce the ruling to allow him some room to meet the court’s conditions for his freedom.
Although Okupe eventually paid the fine and avoided detention, his woes are far from over. The conviction capped a terrible month for the former PDP stalwart who was previously suspended by the Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party for allegedly stealing N20 million in party funds meant to buy crowd at the party’s Oyo rally.