Nigeria’s anti-graft agency on Friday slapped fresh corruption charges on
a former Niger Delta militant leader who has ignored court summons to
defend himself.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Government
Ekpemupolo, popularly known as “Tompolo”, was wanted over the illegal
diversion of 11.9 billion naira ($60 million) belonging to the Nigerian
Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
He has previously been charged with laundering $175 million but has
refused to appear in court.
Last week, judge Ibrahim Buba of the federal high court in Lagos issued a
fresh order for his arrest and arraignment on February 19.
Ekpemupolo, 47, was one of the high-profile leaders of the Movement for
the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) blamed for the series of
attacks on oil and gas facilities in the 2000s.
The Niger Delta unrest disrupted Nigeria’s oil exports, sending shock
waves into the global oil market, until a 2009 amnesty placated the
rebels.
Some, including Ekpemupolo, went on to be awarded lucrative government
security contracts to protect the oil and gas facilities they once
attacked.
But it is alleged such agreements were often used as a front to steal money.
Ekpemupolo’s supporters are believed to be behind several attacks on oil
pipelines in recent months, prompting fears of fresh unrest in the
volatile region if he was arrested.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has said the
Police is currently on the trail of Tompolo. He said the former Militant
would be arrested anywhere he is seen by the police.
Speaking during a tour of the Ekiti Command on Friday, Arase said: “We
are looking for Tompolo and my men are on his trail. We will arrest him
anywhere we sight him”, he said.