N47bn scam: Tompolo, 6 brothers of former NIMASA boss arraigned in absentia

Fugitive Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and six brothers of former NIMASA boss, Patrick Akpobolokemi, were on Monday arraigned in absentia by the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) on 22 counts of fraud amounting to N47.6bn.

The Akpobolokemi  brothers are– Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement.

 

Tompolo, Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement were declared as being “now at large” when the charges were read before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday.
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But Akpobolokemi himself, two females, Josephine Otuaga and Rita Uruakpa  and one Kime Engozu, who were also listed as defendants in the amended charge, were present in court on Monday to answer to the charges.

 

The other defendants in the charge were six companies, namely: Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd./GTE; Oyeinteke Global Network Ltd.; Wabod Global Resources Ltd.; Boloboere Properties Estate Ltd.; Gokaid Marine Oil and Gas Ltd.; and Watershed Associated Resources.

 

The charges bordered on conspiracy, advanced fee fraud and money laundering.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

 

But Akpobolokemi and his alleged accomplices pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, subsequently admitted them to bail.

 

The defendants and the sureties were asked to submit their passport photographs to the court.

 

Further proceedings in the case were adjourned till May 30 and 31, 2016.

 

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