Former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo has become a hard nut to crack as the EFCC failed to present him before the court after getting a warrant for his arrest.
Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday failed to arraign Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo) for the alleged N35 billion land fraud. Instead, it only arraigned the former boss of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, and eight others over the fraud.
The arraignment had been stalled before due to the absence of Tompolo as the EFCC and security operatives are yet to know his whereabout since a federal high court on January 14, issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear before the EFCC last December.
At the last court sitting, last month, Festus Keyamo, counsel to the EFCC, requested an adjournment to enable him separate the charges, leaving out Mr. Ekpemupolo who would face a separate charge when arrested.
In the new charge, Mr. Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh are accused of conspiracy to commit the fraud between 2012 and 2015.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The defendants’ lawyers prayed the court to grant their clients bail “in the most liberal terms”.
Mr. Keyamo did not oppose the bail applications.
The judge adjourned the case till May 23, 24, 25, and 26 for trial.
The judge also adjourned till April 18, for arraignment, another 22-count charge of fraud involving Messrs Ekpemupolo and Akpobolokemi and about 11 others. Mr. Akpobolokemi is also facing four other fraud charges before different judges.