Where Is Tompolo?

Where Is Tompolo?

That's the million dollar, more like million Yuan question as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigns Mr Government Ekpemupolu, aka Tompolo in a Federal High Court in Lagos. He was arraigned in absentia alongside six siblings of the former DG of the Nigerian maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, for allegedly embezzling and sharing various sums totaling over N47b. The other accused are Igo Akpobolokemi, Julius Akpobolokemi, Victor Akpobolokemi, Norbert Akpobolokemi, Emmanuel Akpobolokemi and Clement Akpobolokemi who are also said to be at large.

Patrick Akpobolokemi was also arraigned alongside three others, Josephine Otuaga, Rita Uruakpa and Kime Engozu in a related but different case.

The prosecution alleged that the accused falsely declared that a parcel of land had been acquired by NIMASA for construction of the temporary campus of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko. It was also alleged that sometime in 2014, the accused fraudulently converted the sum of N13 billion belonging to NIMASA for private use.

The accused persons were linked to the following companies allegedly used in perpetrating the fraudulent acts: 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.