Former Niger Delta militant Tompolo summoned to Lagos court

A Nigerian court on Thursday ordered the arrest of former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo on theft and money laundering charges totalling more than $175 million.

The order, which was granted in Charge No: FHC/L/553c/2015, was sequel to a motion ex-parte brought by the EFCC.

Justice Ibrahim Buba issued the order on Thursday at the arraignment of Ekpemupolo and Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency on a 40 count charge of money laundering, conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds.

However, as former Niger Delta warlord has shunned the order of the court to unconditionally appear today, the judge issued a bench warrant on Tompolo and ordered the police to produce him in court by all means.

The companies are Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Destre Consult Limited.

The EFCC statement also announced that four known associates of Tompolo will be arrested in connection to the same investigation.

Responding to inquiries from TheCable on the threat to arrest him if he does not appear in court, Paul Bebenibo, spokesman of the ex-militant leader, said the court summons had not been served.

The prosecution said the accused were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is alleging that Tompolo fraudulently sold the land to the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

While Justice Saidu adjourned the trial till January 29, Justice Buba fixed January 18 for trial.

He was summoned for questioning over a N13 billion fraud allegation that relates to the land acquired for the establishment of Maritime University in Okerenkoko of Delta State.

Speaking to journalists ahead of his 45th coronation anniversary in Oyo on Wednesday, the Alaafin faulted the existence of the TCN, saying it was illegally constituted.