EFCC separates ex-militant from 40-count fraud charge

dimeji akinloye

March 22, 2016 10:25 PM

Tompolo was separated from the charges the EFCC filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos because he is still on the run.

Former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo (pictured)

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been forced to separate former Niger Delta Militant, Government

The ex-militant leader was listed as the first accused person in the charge filed in January 2016 before Justice Ibrahim Buba.

The former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and four other persons were also listed in the charge as co-accused persons.

The EFCC has unable to arraign the ex-NIMASA boss and others due to Tompolo's failure to honour the court summons issued on him to appear in court, since January.

Despite being declared wanted by the anti-graft agency, security operatives have combed possible hideouts of Tompolo but he is no where to be found.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, Tompolo was again absent in court, as well as his lawyers, Tayo Oyetibo and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

READ: Tompolo wants Judge to withdraw from N45.9bn fraud case

The EFCC prosecutor, Festus Keyamo, told the presiding judge that Tompolo's name has been removed from the charge, and sought the court's permission to ahead with the other accused persons.

He said Tompolo would be arraigned and tried separately once he has been captured.

The other accused persons were however admitted to bail by Justice Buba after they plea not guilty to the charges which bordered on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion and laundering of various sums of money belonging to NIMASA.

The trial has been adjourned till May 23.

Meanwhile, the judge also adjourned till April 18, for the EFCC to arraign Akpobolokemi and others on another 22-count charge.

dimeji akinloye