Agency charges Tompolo, ex-NIMASA boss with theft

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December 24, 2015 10:11 AM

A 40 count charge has been levied by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former leader of the movement for the Emancipation of Tompolo and ex-NIMASA boss Patrick Akpobolokemi

Mr. Government Ekpompolo.

A 40 count charge has been levied by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former leader of the movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta militants, Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo and ex-NIMASA boss Patrick Akpobolokemi at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State.

Government Ekpemupolo and the ex-NIMASA boss were alleged to have converted the sum of one hundred and eight million, seven hundred thousand US dollars ($108.7m) and two billion, two million naira (N2.2), property of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), with the knowledge that the said sums were stolen.

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Also charged alongside the duo are eight other accused comprising three other individuals and five limited liability companies. They are listed as follows: Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

As stated in the criminal charge filed by Festus Keyamo, prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), between the year 2012 and April 2014, the eight accused persons conspired amongst themselves to commit offence to wit: Conversion of the sum of $108,708,975.35 and N2,178,320,356 property of NIMASA, knowing that the said money was proceeds of stealing.

Read: Tompolo might not honour EFCC’s invitation, reports say

In count seventeen to count thirty-Eight of the criminal charge, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Destre Consult Ltd were alleged to have converted the sum of $106.9 million property of Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, knowing that the sum was derived from official corruption.

Furthermore, In counts thirty-nine and forty of the charge by the EFCC, Captain Warredi Enisuoh was alleged to have converted the sum of N8 million, property of Global West Vessel Specialist knowing that the said money was derived from official corruption.

The offences including unlawful conversion, alleged to have been committed by all the accused are contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 2012 and are accordingly punishable under the said Act.

Sources have also revealed that prior to now, Tompolo allegedly went into hiding to prevent arrest by the anti-graft agency.

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