Efcc Seeks Court’s Approval To Seize Tompolo’s Assets

BEVERLY HILLS, February 18, (THEWILL) – Embattled former militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo may have his assets seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if a Federal High Court in Lagos approves the request of the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC Thursday filed an application before the court seeking an order to seize some assets traced to the fugitive former militant leader pending when he is brought to court to defend allegations of N45.9 billion fraud against him and nine other persons.

The application dated February 18, 2016 was filed by the EFCC lawyer, Festus Keyamo, pursuant to sections 80 and 81 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The EFCC listed the following assets which it plans to confiscate as No. 1, Chief Agbamu Close DDPA Extension Warri (Effurun), Delta State, Mieka Dive Ltd.; Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd.; Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd.; Muhaabix Global Services Ltd.; a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA -15; “Tompolo Dockyard,” “Tompolo Yard,” the Diving School at Kurutie, at Escravos River; and “Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, opposite the Palace.

Tompolo has not been seen in public since a federal court issued two warrants for his arrest few weeks back. The military and police have launched an operation to detain the former militant leader.

Tompolo alongside nine others were accused of diverting and converting to their personal use the sum of N34bn and N11.9bn belonging to NIMASA.

The offence, according to EFCC, is contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.