Constituted security operatives have been ordered to arrest and produce former militant leader, Tompolo after failed attempts to seek his appearance in court.
Government Ekpemupolo
A Federal High Court in Lagos, Monday, dismissed an objection by Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo) to his arrest brought and renewed a warrant order it had earlier issued on the former militant leader according to Premium Times.
Judge Ibrahim Buba said the application by Mr. Ekpemupolo’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo, urging the court to set aside an order of substituted service was “misconceived, misplaced, and misapplicable.”
“Up till today the first defendant has refused to honour the invitation of the court to appear before it,” the judge said.
“The whole essence of service is to make the person aware of charges facing him. By bringing an application before the court, the first defendant had become aware of the charge before the court.”
Mr. Buba adjourned till February 19th and ordered all the relevant security agencies to produce Mr. Ekpemupolo.
Mr. Ekpemupolo and Patrick Akpobolokemi, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, are accused of a multibillion naira fraud at the agency.
Others charged alongside the duo are Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.