The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Niger Delta warlord, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, over alleged N13 billion Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) university land scam.
The anti-graft agency gave Tompolo one week to appear before it at its office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos or risk being declared wanted.
In a letter to the ex-militant, the Commission said it was investigating Tompolo for unclear dealings involving the sale of parcels of land worth about N13 billion to the federal government under the last administration.
He is expected to appear at the EFCC training room on Thursday December 17.
A similar invitation was extended to Tompolo in November by the Head of Operations at the EFCC, Iliasu Kwabai but the ex-militant failed to appear and no correspondence was received from him.
It was reported that EFCC had frozen the bank accounts of Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL). The company, reportedly owned by Tompolo, which signed a 10-year maritime security contract with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2011. Under the terms of the contract, it is expected to provide platforms to be used for patrolling the nation’s waterways by the Nigerian Navy and other security operatives.
Tompolo’s associate and former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, is currently being prosecuted along with nine others at the Federal High Court, Lagos on criminal charges bordering on stealing and fraud.
Akpobolokemi’s bank accounts, his wife’s, Beauty, and four brothers – Clement Akpobolokemi, Stephen Akpobolokemi, Julius Akpobolokemi and Victor Akpobolokemi – have also been frozen by the anti-graft agency.
By Pita Ochai