Judge Approves Fg’s Request To Seize Tompolo’s Assets In Nimasa Fraud Suit

BEVERLY HILLS, February 19, (THEWILL) – Justice Ibrahim Buba has approved a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize some assets belonging to a notorious former Niger Delta militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The Federal High Court of Lagos judge approved the seizure when he was informed by the EFCC at Friday's sitting that Tompolo's whereabouts was unknown to security agencies despite two warrants for his arrest by the court.

According to the EFCC, which is prosecuting the alleged crime, a team of policemen and military personnel have been in the creeks searching for the fugitive without success.

Tompolo and nine other defendants are on trial for allegedly stealing at least N40 billion belonging to NIMASA, a federal government agency.

The EFCC through its lawyer Mr. Festus Keyamo informed the court that the assets would be auctioned in the next three months if Tompolo remains a fugitive.

The confiscated assets are a property at No. 1 Chief Agbamu Close DDPA Extension Warri (Effurun), Delta State, all property of Muhaabix Global Services Ltd; a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA – 15; the property known as “Tompolo Dockyard”, by the end of Enerhen Road, Effurun, Warri, a property known as “Tompolo Yard”, at the end of Chevron Clinic Road, next to Next Oil, Edjeba, Warri; the Diving School at Kurutie, at Escravos River; the property known as “Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, opposite the Palace; and any other property discovered by the EFCC, movable and immovable, belonging to the first accused person.

‎Further action on the suit was adjourned to March 22, 2016.