A Federal High Cout in Lagos, today, ordered the arrest of former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo on theft and money laundering charges amounting to N13 billio. 
“A warrant of arrest has been issued forthwith to compel his attendance in court,” judge Ibrahim Buba, said in response to a prosecution request.
“Tompolo”, is one of the most high-profile former militant leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). “Tompolo” was then honored with lucrative contracts to “give certain administrations” to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), prosecutor Festus Keyamo told AFP. It is realized that numerous previous militants were granted government security contracts for oil and gas facilities, and additionally pipelines.
Keyamo refused to give exact details of the contracts with NIMASA, arguing that doing so would be prejudicial to the case. He did allege: “The agreement was used as a front to steal money.” “Tompolo” is facing 14 counts of theft and money laundering between 2012 and last year totalling just over $175 million (161 million euros).
He is just one of 10 defendants, including former head of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, in a 40-count case brought by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which is spearheading President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption drive. Keyamo told the court earlier “Tompolo” avoided being summonsed several times but he was eventually served by proxy on Wednesday at his known address in the southern city of Warri.
The case is adjourned to February 8.
