N34billion fraud: Wanted Tompolo arraigned in absentia

Still nowhere to be found, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) was on Tuesday arraigned in absentia before a Federal High Court in Lagos over N34billion fraud.

In the suit filed by the EFCC, he and others were alleged to have diverted N34 billion for personal use.

Those charged along with him in the 40-count charge are the former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

Others are Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

The EFCC alleged that the money accrued from the public private partnership (PPP) agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo, and that the alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts except for Tompolo, whose plea was not taken due to his absence.
Tompolo will be arraigned on another 22-count charge also pending before Justice Buba, who adjourned it until April 18. It borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion.

In the pending charge, Tompolo will face trial along with Akpobolokemi, whose four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large, were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

Read also: Transfer my case to another judge, Tompolo begs Appeal Court

They were accused of converting various sums running into over N22.7billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

EFCC lawyer Festus Keyamo had told reporters on Monday that Tompolo would stand trial whenever he is arrested, adding, that security agencies are on his trail.

Justice Buba, therefore, granted the defendants N50 million bail with one reliable surety in like sum. Enisuoh‎ was granted bail for N10million with one surety.

“The defendants who are already on bail are to perfect their bail conditions within 24 hours or be remanded in prison. Those appearing before me for the first time should perfect their bail conditions today or be remanded in prison,” Justice Buba ruled.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now