Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the forfeiture of multi-billion naira properties belonging to a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
The judge made this order following Tompolo’s refusal to appear in court over a 40-count charge of money laundering and stealing of about N34 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The charges were brought against him and nine others by the Economic and Finanacial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Properties to be forfeited include: a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA – 15; the property known as “Tompolo Dockyard” by the end of Enerhen Road, Effurun, Warri and the property known as “Tompolo Yard”, at the end of Chevron Clinic Road, next to Next Oil, Edjeba, Warri.
Others are: A Diving School at Kurutie, Escravos River; the property known as “Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, opposite the Palace and any other property discovered by the EFCC, moveable and immoveable, belonging to Tompolo.
Justice Buba had on January 14 issued a bench warrant against the Delta State native and ordered his arrest for failing to honour a court summons dated January 12 in respect of the alleged N34bn fraud.
The nine charged alongside Tompolo are: Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Ltd, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warrendi Enisuoh.
The suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion which accrued from the public-private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist Limited for personal use.
At the resumed hearing of the matter Friday, counsel to EFCC, Festus Keyamo told the court that the warrant of arrest issued by the court has not been excuted despite the “best efforts” of all the security agencies in the country.
At the resumed hearing of the matter Friday, counsel to EFCC, Festus Keyamo told the court that the warrant of arrest issued by the court has not been excuted despite the “best efforts” of all the security agencies in the country.
He stated that all the nation’s security agencies were involved in the search of Tompolo but his whereabouts are not known yet.
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