Tompolo gets ‘last chance’ to avoid arrest

A federal high court in Ikoyi Lagos has threatened to order the arrest of Government Ekpemupolo, an ex-militant leader better known as Tompolo, if he does not appear before it on Thursday.

The court’s summons is in connection with allegations of fraudulent land contracts for the construction of Nigerian Maritime University.

Tompolo had earlier declined to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the issue, prompting the anti-graft agency to consider declaring him wanted.

But the former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) accused the agency of witch-hunt, alleging that the federal government was after him for refusing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the EFCC, had said the commission would use lawful means to bring Tompolo to justice.

“The commission will take all lawful measures to ensure that he answers the invitation,” Uwujaren had said in response to inquiries by TheCable.

However, a court document dated January 12 has asked the ex-militant leader to turn himself in or be compelled to do so.

“An order issuing a summons to compel the appearance of GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO) before this honuorable court having being alleged to have committed the offences as contained in the body of the charge,” the document read.

“An order of this honourable court granting leave to serve the summons and Charge NO: FHC/L/553C/2015 on the defendant.

“An order granting leave to the applicant to serve the summons and charge No: FHC/L/553C/2015 on GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO) by substituted means to wit: By affixing same on the conspicuous part of his known address situated at No. 1 Chief Agbanu DDPA Extention Warri Delta State.

“And for such further order and other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

“That the case is adjourned to 14/1/2016.”