by Emeka Nwankwo
A federal High court sitting in Lagos has ordered for the immediate arrest of former militant, Government ‘Tompolo” Ekpemupolo.
The arrest warrant which was issued on Wednesday, was in relation to a multi-billion naira scam contract for the building of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU).
Tompolo was charged alongside a former head of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, on a 40 count criminal charge. They are accused of converting $108.7million and N2.1billion.
According to Sahara Reporters, bank accounts belonging to the former militant have been frozen by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Furthermore, the EFCC also froze the accounts of Mieka Divers Ltd and Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Ltd, two companies belonging to Tompolo, because of fraudulent deals carried out through the accounts.
Government Tompolo, who is currently believed to be hiding in the Niger Delta Creeks, is wanted for questioning by the EFCC for the N13 billion land he sold to the federal government.
Reports have it that the federal government had wanted to build the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) and had diverted public funds through the NIMASA to Tompolo.
Tompolo refused to honor an invitation by the EFCC last year to answer questions on the diverted funds.
Charged alongside Tompolo and Akpobolokemi are three other persons and five limited liability companies.
The said offences are punishable under the Money Laundering Act of 2012.
