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Tag: Tompolo

  • Ex-militant ‘General’ Africa vows to stop ‘Avengers’

    Ex-militant ‘General’ Africa vows to stop ‘Avengers’

    Former militant, ‘General’ Africa Ukparasia on Friday offered to assist the federal government in stopping the activities of the new militant group in the South South, Niger Delta Avengers.
    The group has launched a series of attacks on oil facilities in the geopolitical zone causing a sharp drop in production.
    But General Africa told journalists in Abuja on Friday that the situation should not be allowed to continue like that.
    He accused the ‘Avengers’ of working for wanted ex-militant, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
    Tompolo has repeatedly denied any links with the group.
    General Africa said: “I want to state categorically that the Niger Delta Avengers is not a new group. It is Tompolo that is behind the group and what they are out to do is to carry out their threat to make the government ungovernable for the APC. We will not allow that to happen.
    “Tompolo is the person behind the attacks in the Niger Delta and so, Nigerians and people of the Niger Delta should not think that there is a new militant group. I am confirming that it is Tompolo that is behind the group. It is not a new militant group.
    “It is Tompolo that is disturbing the peace of the people of the Niger Delta. So, I am warning him to stop the unnecessary action and stop disturbing this our government because the government is very sincere.
    “During the last government, nobody heard of the name Avengers causing problem and causing damage to our oil installations.
    “Before the last election, Tompolo vowed and it was all over the media that if Jonathan did not win the election, he would make the country ungovernable. That is what he is doing now. So, nobody should be surprised about what is happening now because it is Tompolo that is doing it.
    “He promised that he would do that and it was all over the media. I have witnesses who can testify to this. Tell him I said so and I am sure he will not deny that.”

  • Pipelines attack: FG must not succumb to blackmail – Activist

    Niger Delta activist, Chief Ayimi Emami has urged the Federal Government not to bow to “cheap blackmail” and antics of a former militant leader who is allegedly behind Thursday and Friday morning’s attacks on strategic oil facilities and pipelines in Warri area of Delta State.

    Emami’s advice followed renewed attacks on oil and gas platforms of Chevron Nigeria limited by a militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

    He said, “Those who have issues bothering on criminal activities and illegalities should go to the court to answer to their deeds and clear their names rather than resorting to cheap blackmail to arm-twist the Federal Government and the EFCC to drop the charges against them.

    “One man cannot hold the FG to ransom, he cannot hold the nation by forming a parallel government within the Nigerian state.”

    Although Emami did not specifically mentioned former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) it was clear that he was alluding to the warlord, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his dealings with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Although Tompolo had surreptitiously denied links with NDA in advertorials and media statements, Emami said he was not impressed by the gimmick

    He said, “It has now become a pattern for this wanted man to preempt the attacks by placing advertorial denouncing the group and after which the group would strike again.

    “This is a clear and plain childish prank, disown the group three days before they strike and they would attack, blow up oil facilities and give a farcical reason for the attacks.

    “The last time he said some APC members are behind the attacks, how did the ‘leader’ of the PDP become so abreast of the workings of these so-called disgruntled APC members? Who does he thinks he is fooling? What intelligence does he have to know who and when the attacks will come?”

     

  • Fed Govt opposes Tompolo’s bid to halt trial

    Fed Govt opposes Tompolo’s bid to halt trial

    The Federal Government has asked Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola of the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss a suit by a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

    Tompolo is seeking an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging sections 221 and 306 from the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to the extent of their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.”

    Through his lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, he said the sections were unconstitutional because they prevent a court from entertaining any objection to a criminal charge or an application for stay of proceedings pending appeal.

    Section 221 says: “Objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the ground of an imperfect or erroneous charge.”

    Section 306 says: “An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.”

    But, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) said the suit is an abuse of court process and should be dismissed.

    He said a warrant of arrest was issued for Tompolo’s arrest only when he failed to appear in court to answer to criminal charges against him.

    “He failed and bluntly refused to present himself in court, thus leaving the court with no other option but to take measures at compelling him to appear,” AGF said.

    Malami said sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA do not infringe on Tompolo’s rights to fair hearing.

    The sections, he said, were made to ensure speedy and efficient justice delivery and prevent “malicious delays and stalling of criminal cases by parties employing frivolous and time wasting tactics to impede the course of justice.”

    The AGF said the sections do not stop Tompolo from appealing against any ruling is he dissatisfied with.

    He said contrary to the applicant’s claim, sections 221 and 206 do not also prevent Tompolo from challenging an erroneous or defective charge, only that such objections can only be raised after trial in a final address.

    “This action and reliefs sought by the applicant do not fall under the ambit of the enforcement of fundamental rights. This suit is cleverly orchestrated by the applicant to impede the proper dispensation of justice, thus surreptitiously avoiding to stand trial.

    “This suit is an abuse of court process, frivolous and time wasting and should dismissed with cost,” the AGF said.

    The Federal Government, AGF, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of  Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff are the respondents.

    Justice Olatoregun-Ishola adjourned till May 19 for hearing.

  • Tompolo blames oil firms for pipeline attacks

    Tompolo blames oil firms for pipeline attacks

    A former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has urged security agencies to investigate activities of oil companies in Niger Delta for the spate of attacks on pipelines and oil facilities in the region.

    Reacting to insinuations that he was behind the Niger Delta Avengers, a group which claimed responsibility for the attacks on key oil facilities, including the Forcados Crude Export line in Burutu, Delta State, Tompolo said oil servicing companies angling for the repair contracts, and not him, were responsible for the attacks.

    In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Tompolo assured that oil multinationals and their service firms had nothing to worry about him because he was reformed.

    He said: “I wish to appeal to the servicing companies to go about their normal operations, particularly the repair of the Forcados 48-inch pipeline, which is key to our economic stability.”

    “I have said I will not resort to violence because of my case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or to wage war against the Federal Government, as my legal team is working towards the resolution of the issue. I pray God should see me through these trying times.

    “It is unfortunate that I am accused of pipeline vandalism, despite my statements to deny involvement in the renewed hostilities in Niger Delta. Since the declaration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, which I wholeheartedly embraced and accepted, I had sworn not to be part of any arms struggle, either overtly or covertly.

    “Most Nigerians are aware of the role I played in safeguarding and protecting crude oil and gas facilities during the last administration; I am still interested in doing so for the love of country, humanity and out of patriotism. It is worthy of mention that as I was protecting oil facilities, I incurred the wrath of pipeline vandals and illegal refinery operators; till now some of them are still angry with me.

    “Therefore, it is worrisome for security agencies to link me with such people who are still angry with me. It would be recalled that when I founded the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) at the peak of the Niger Delta agitation for a better living for the people, I did not mince words. So, if it was me that is behind the Niger Delta Avengers, I would have come out openly to claim the leadership.

    “I am a man of my word. Therefore, I should be taken as such by security agencies. It is unfair to link me with this new militant group, which I do not agree with, in terms of its philosophy, ideology and mode of operation. I am not a part of the Niger Delta Avengers.

    “Let it be known that I am proud of my achievements through non-violence advocacy since the enthronement of the 2009 Presidential Amnesty Programme for the Niger Delta region, particularly in the coastal areas. For instance, the establishment of the first maritime university and a dock/ship building yard and other good things.

    “I make bold to say that I have attracted more development to the Niger Delta region than my traducers. Therefore, it is unreasonable and unimaginable to associate me with any person(s) or group involved in pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities in Niger Delta.”

    Tompolo urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government to look inward in the search for masterminds of recent attacks.

    According to him, his party men in Bayelsa State were getting agitated over lack of political patronage.

    He said: “I am aware of how such persons are chasing the Minister of Petroleum for State, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, around. I advise the Federal Government to investigate some of the servicing companies engaged in repairing damaged pipelines; sabotage on their part is not ruled out. Some of them may not have the capacity to carry out such repairs, but must have worked their way to get the contract in connivance with people in the corridor of powers, and turn around to tender the security situation in the Niger Delta as an excuse, as they are being paid ‘down time’ payment.”

  • Tompolo absent as EFCC arraigns ex-NIMASA DG, others

    Tompolo absent as EFCC arraigns ex-NIMASA DG, others

    •‘N1billion allegedly converted to personal use’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a former Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA’s) Director-General Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi for alleged N22.7 billion fraud.

    He was charged with a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Tompolo was absent yesterday. He was also absent when his co-accused were earlier arraigned on alleged N34 billion fraud in a separate charge.

    Those arraigned yesterday included Akpobolokemi, Kime Engozu, Josephine Otuaga, Rita Uruakpa, Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd/GTE, Oyeinteke Global Network Limited and Wabod Global Resources Ltd.

    Others are Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd, Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd, Muhaabix Global Services Ltd and Watershed Associated Resources.

    The charge borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7 billion.

    Also named in the charge are Akpobolokemi’s four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large. They were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

    The defendants were accused of converting money running into over N22.7 billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba, on February 8, directed security agencies to arrest Tompolo and held that the warrant issued for his arrest still subsists.

    Tompolo’s lead counsel Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) sought to set aside the warrant, but the judge dismissed the application and re-issued a fresh warrant for Tompolo’s arrest.

    The judge granted EFCC’s application empowering it to seize Tompolo’s traceable assets, pending his arrest or appearance in court for arraignment.

    The property will be auctioned after three months, beginning from February 19 when the order was made, should Tompolo refuse to turn up.

    Tompolo appealed the order and prayed the appellate court to order the transfer of his case from Justice Buba.

    His lawyers urged the Court of Appeal to set aside the warrant on the basis that Justice Buba erred by refusing to nullify it.

    Tompolo asked the court to nullify sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which he said violated his rights.

    He sought an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging sections 221 and 306 from the ACJA 2015, following their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.”

    Section 221 says: “Objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the grounds of an imperfect or erroneous charge.”

    Section 306 says: “An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.”

    Tompolo contended that the sections were unconstitutional because they sought to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to entertain any objection to a criminal charge and an application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal.

    The case came up for hearing yesterday before Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola. Tompolo’s lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa informed the court that Nigeria and the attorney-general of the federation were served with the originating motion.

    He  said the EFCC and the IGP declined service on the grounds that the date of hearing was too close.

    Adegboruwa applied for a short adjournment to enable the court bailiff serve the court processes on the EFCC, IGP and other respondents.

    Justice Olatoregun-Ishola adjourned till May 4 for hearing, while Justice Buba adjourned till May 30 for trial.

    Also yesterday, the Federal High Court in Lagos heard that Akpobolokemi and others allegedly converted over N1billion belonging to the agency to their personal use.

    An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator, Chukwuma Orji, said the money was diverted through different companies and direct withdrawals.

    He was testifying in Akpobolokemi’s trial before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Akpobolokemi was charged along with a former Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development at NIMASA, Captain Ezekiel Agaba, his aides Ekene Nwakuche and Governor Juan as well as Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.

    They were accused of converting N2,658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28 last year. They pleaded not guilty.

    Orji said the commission received intelligence that there was “monumental fraud” perpetrated by Akpobolokemi using funds meant for a NIMASA committee on International Ship and Port Facility Security  (ISPS) Code.

    He said: “NIMASA was appointed the designated ISPS agent in Nigeria on May 23, 2013.“

    Justice Buba adjourned till April 29 for continuation of trial.

    Akpobolokemi set up a committee on ISPS chaired by Captain Agaba.

     

  • Tompolo absent as EFCC arraigns ex-NIMASA DG, others

    Tompolo absent as EFCC arraigns ex-NIMASA DG, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, for alleged N22.7billion fraud.

    He was charged along with a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos in Lagos.

    However, Tompolo was absent in court on Monday.

    He was also absent when his co-accused persons were earlier arraigned on alleged N34billion fraud in a separate charge.

    Those arraigned on Monday included Akpobolokemi, Kime Engozu, Josephine Otuaga, Rita Uruakpa, Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd/GTE, Oyeinteke Global Network Limited and Wabod Global Resources Limited.

    Others were Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd, Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd, Muhaabix Global Services Ltd and Watershed Associated Resources.

    The charge borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion.

    Also named in the charge were Akpobolokemi four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large. They were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

    The defendants were accused of converting various sums running into over N22.7billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

    Justice Buba had on February 8 directed security agencies to arrest Tompolo and held that the warrant of arrest issued for his arrest still subsists.

     

  • Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to nullify sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    He said the sections violated his constitutional rights.

    Tompolo is seeking an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging the sections to the extent of their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution”.

    Section 221 says: “Objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the grounds of an imperfect or erroneous charge.”

    Section 306 says: “An application for a stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.”

    Tompolo is contending that the sections were unconstitutional because they seek to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to entertain any objection to a criminal charge and an application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal.

    He is, thus, asking the court to stop his trial until the determination of these issues.

    The Federal Government, attorney-general of the federation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), inspector-general of Police, chief of Army Staff, chief of Naval Staff and chief of Air Staff are respondents.

    EFCC, on March 22, arraigned Tompolo in absentia for N34 billion fraud after he failed to turn up despite being declared wanted. He was said to be “at large”.

    The ex-miilitant leader was charged with a former Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    EFCC, in a 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said they allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use. It added that the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.

    Before then, Justice Buba , on January 14, issued a warrant for Tompolo’s arrest.

    But Tompolo, on January 27, filed an application to set the warrant aside. On February 8, Justice Buba dismissed the application. Tompolo appealed the ruling on February 18.

    In the fresh application filed through his lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Tompolo is praying the court to declare that Section 221 of the ACJA constitutes a flagrant violation of his right to fair hearing as guaranteed under sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said the Act “seeks to be an absolute bar to any objection to a criminal charge or information, already filed” against him and others.

    He also wants the court to hold that the AGF and EFCC are not entitled to deploy, use, cite or in any other manner rely on sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA in the prosecution of any criminal charge or information against him and others in any manner that will constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    He is seeking an injunction restraining the respondents from filing, prosecuting or further prosecuting any criminal charge or information against him and others – the prosecution of which, he said, may constitute a flagrant violation of his right to fair hearing as guaranteed by sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution and Article VII of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    No date has been fixed for the new case.

    Another charge of stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7 billion is pending against Tompolo before Justice Buba.

    The judge adjourned until April 18 for Tompolo’s arraignment on the 22-count.

     

     

  • Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to nullify sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which he said violated his constitutional rights.

    He is seeking an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging sections 221 and 306 from the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to the extent of their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.”

    Section 221 says: “Objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the ground of an imperfect or erroneous charge.”

    Section 306 says: “An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.”

    Tompolo is contending that the sections are unconstitutional because they seek to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to entertain any objection to a criminal charge and an application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal.

    He is, thus, asking the court to stop his trial until the determination of these issues.

    The Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff are the respondents.

    EFCC, on March 22, arraigned Tompolo in absentia over N34billion fraud after he failed to turn up despite being declared wanted. He was said to be “at large”.

    He was charged along with a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said they allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use, adding that the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.

    Before then, Justice Buba had, on January 14, issued a warrant for Tompolo’s arrest. But Tompolo, on January 27, filed an application to set the warrant aside. On February 8, Justice Buba dismissed the application. Tompolo thereafter appealed the ruling on February 18.

    In the fresh application filed through his lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Tompolo is praying the court to declare that Section 221 of the ACJA constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said the Act “seeks to be an absolute bar to any objection to a criminal charge or information, already filed” against him and others.

    He also wants the court to hold that the AGF and EFCC are not entitled to deploy, use, cite or in any other manner rely on sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA in the prosecution of any criminal charge or information against him and others in any manner that will constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    He is seeking an injunction restraining the respondents from filing, prosecuting or further prosecuting any criminal charge or information against him and others, the prosecution of which may constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed by sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution and Article VII of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    No date has been fixed for the new case.

    Another charge bordering on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion is still pending against Tompolo before Justice Buba.

    The judge had adjounrned until April 18 for Tompolo’s arraignment on the 22-count charge.

  • Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    •Ex-militant to be arraigned April 18 on new N22.7b theft charge

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), at the Federal High Court in Lagos in Lagos in absentia over N34 billion fraud.

    He was charged along with a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    Others are Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said the suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use.

    It alleged that the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, owned by Tompolo.

    The alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    Count one reads: “That you, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) now at large, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, in 2012 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: Conversion of the sums of N601,516.13 and $1,766,428.62, property of NIMASA, knowing that the said sums were proceeds of stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

    The defendants, who were all present, except Tompolo, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    Tompolo will be arraigned on another 22-count charge also pending before Justice Buba, who adjourned it until April 18.

    It borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7 billion.

    In the charge, Tompolo will face trial along with Akpobolokemi, whose four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large, were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

    They were accused of converting various sums running into over N22.7 billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba had, on February 8, directed security agencies to arrest Tompolo and held that the warrant of arrest issued for his arrest still subsists.

    Tompolo’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had sought to set aside the warrant of arrest, but the judge dismissed the application and re-issued a fresh warrant for Tompolo’s arrest.

    The judge subsequently granted EFCC’s application empowering it to seize all Tompolo’s traceable assets pending his arrest or appearance in court for arraignment.

    The properties will be auctioned after three months beginning from February 19 when the order was made should Tompolo refuse to turn up, the judge ordered.

    Tompolo appealed the order for his arrest and prayed the appellate court to order the transfer of his case from Justice Buba to another judge.

    His lawyers are urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the warrant of arrest on the basis that Justice Buba erred in law in refusing to nullify it.

    EFCC lawyer Festus Keyamo told reporters yesterday that Tompolo would stand trial whenever he is arrested. He said security agencies are on his trail.

    “It is the duty of the security forces and they are still making efforts to get him. He’s on the run and he cannot continue to be on the run for ever. We will get him,” Keyamo said.

    The other defendants’ lawyers urged Justice Buba to grant them bail in the most liberal terms. Keyamo said since some of the accused persons were already on bail in another charge before the court, they should be granted bail on conditions that would ensure their attendance in court.

    Justice Buba, therefore, granted the defendants N50 million bail with one reliable surety in like sum. Enisuoh was granted bail for N10 million with one surety.

    “The defendants, who are already on bail, are to perfect their bail conditions within 24 hours or be remanded in prison. Those appearing before me for the first time should perfect their bail conditions today or be remanded in prison,” Justice Buba ruled.

    He adjourned until May 23, 24, 25, and 26 for trial.

  • Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) at the Federal High Court in Lagos in Lagos in absentia over N34billion fraud.

    He was charged along with a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    Others are Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said the suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use.

    It alleged the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.

    The alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    Count one reads: “That you, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) now at large, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, in 2012 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: Conversion of the sums of N601,516.13 and $1,766,428.62, property of NIMASA, knowing that the said sums were proceeds of stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

    The defendants, who were all present except Tompolo, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    Tompolo will be arraigned on another 22-count charge also pending before Justice Buba, who adjourned it until April 18. It borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion.

    In the pending charge, Tompolo will face trial along with Akpobolokemi, whose four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large, were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

    They were accused of converting various sums running into over N22.7billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba had, on February 8, directed security agencies to arrest Tompolo and held that the warrant of arrest issued for his arrest still subsists.

    Tompolo’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had sought to set aside the warrant of arrest, but the judge dismissed the application and re-issued a fresh warrant for Tompolo’s arrest.

    The judge subsequently granted EFCC’s application empowering it to seize all Tompolo’s traceable assets pending his arrest or appearance in court for arraignment. The properties will be auctioned after three months beginning from February 19 when the order was made should Tompolo refuse to turn up, the judge ordered.

    Tompolo appealed the order for his arrest and prayed the appellate court to order the transfer of his case from Justice Buba to another judge.

    His lawyers are urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the warrant of arrest on the basis that Justice Buba erred in law in refusing to nullify it.

    EFCC lawyer Festus Keyamo told reporters yesterday that Tompolo would stand trial whenever he is arrested. He said security agencies are on his trail.

    “It is the duty of the security forces and‎ they are still making efforts to get him. He’s on the run and he cannot continue to be on the run for ever. We will get him,” Keyamo said.

    The other defendants’ lawyers urged Justice Buba to grant them bail in the most liberal terms. Keyamo said since some of the accused persons were already on bail in another charge before the court, they should be granted bail on conditions that would ensure their attendance in court.

    Justice Buba, therefore, granted the defendants N50 million bail with one reliable surety in like sum. Enisuoh‎ was granted bail for N10million with one surety.

    “The defendants who are already on bail are to perfect their bail conditions within 24 hours or be remanded in prison. Those appearing before me for the first time should perfect their bail conditions today or be remanded in prison,” Justice Buba ruled.

    He adjourned until May 23, 24, 25, and 26 for trial.