– EFCC charges Patrick Akpobolokemi, others with conspiracy to commit fraud
– Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, grants bail to all accused persons
– Tompolo to be charged separately after he is arrested
Following his failure to appear in court to answer charges leveled against him, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, March 22 arraigned former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) in absentia over alleged N35 billion fraud.
Tompolo has refused to appear in court to answer charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to Vanguard, Tompolo was arraigned alongside former boss of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) Patrick 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.
The accused persons were charges with conspiring to commit fraud between 2012 and 2015. They all pleaded not guilty and their lawyers requested the court to grant them bail.
Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, granted bail to all the accused persons but Enisuoh’s bail condition differed from the rest as he was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with one reliable surety in like sum.
Justice Buba adjourned till May 23, 24, 25 and 26 for trial.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, counsel to the EFCC, Festus Keyamo said Tompolo would be charged separately after he is arrested.
“It is the duty of the security agencies and they are still making efforts to get him. He is on the run and he cannot continue to be on the run for ever. We will get him,” he said.
Earlier arraignment of the accused persons had been stalled due to the inability of the EFCC to arrest Tompolo.
Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court had ordered the arrest of the former militant leader for his failure to appear before him to answer 40 counts on an alleged N45.9bn fraud but all efforts by the nation’s security agencies to produce the former militant leader has been unsuccessful.
COMMENTARY
I thought you would have arrested him, why in absentia, lawless country. When Buhari was summoned by Oputa panel, he refused to honour the invitation, now he wants another person to honour his. Buhari`s administration will keep failing because he is hate personified. #Ezesays
Eze Afrika
