N47m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Tompolo In Absentia

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) before a Federal High Court, Lagos, in absentia. Tompolo was arraigned alongside six brothers of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi. They are Igo Akpobolokemi, Julius Akpobolokemi, Victor Akpobolokemi, Norbert Akpobolokemi, Emmanuel Akpobolokemi and Clement Akpobolokemi. They were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on N47 billion fraud. They were however, declared as being “now at large” when the charges were read. Patrick Akpobolokemi was also arraigned alongside three others, Josephine Otuaga, Rita Uruakpa and Kime Engozu. Companies listed in the charge are: 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. All accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Ibrahim Buba, however, admitted the accused persons to bail.