Court Orders Arrest of Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo Over $175million Fraud

A court sitting in Lagos has ordered the arrest of Government Ekpemupolo, former Niger Delta Militant leader on Theft and Money laundering offences totalling over $175 million. According to judge Ibrahim Buba, sitting at the Federal High Court in Lagos. "In response to a prosecution request, A Warrant of Arrest has been issued to compel his attendance in court".

Ekpemupolo, popularly known as “Tompolo”, is one of the most high-profile former militant leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Who commanded thousands of rebels that attacked oil and gas facilities in the oil-rich south, and kidnapped workers, in the 2000s until a government amnesty was introduced in 2009.

“Tompolo” was then awarded lucrative contracts to “provide certain services” to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), prosecutor Festus Keyamo told AFP. It is known that many former militants were awarded government security contracts for oil and gas facilities, as well as pipelines.

“Tompolo” is facing 14 counts of theft and money laundering between 2012 and last year totalling just over $175 million (161 million euros). He is one of 10 defendants, including a former head of NIMASA, in a 40-count case brought by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.Judge Buba adjourned the case until February 8.

(via Vanguard)