EFCC to try Tompolo separately over N45.9bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday separated a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, from 40 counts of alleged N45.9bn fraud it filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Tompolo

Tompolo was listed as the first accused person in the charge, which the EFCC filed in January before Justice Ibrahim Buba.

Listed as his co-accused persons in the charge were a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi,  Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Capt. Warredi Enisuoh.

The five were charged alongside four companies – Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Boloboere Property, Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

But efforts to arraign them had failed since January following Tompolo’s  refusal to honour the court summons issued to him to appear in court.

At the Tuesday proceedings, neither Tompolo nor  his lawyers, Messrs Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, appeared in court.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Festus Keyamo, told the judge that the charge had been amended with Tompolo’s name removed.

He said Tompolo, who is wanted by the anti-graft agency, would now be arraigned and tried separately from the others.

Keyamo said he had served the amended charge sheet on the other nine accused persons and urged the court to take their pleas.

The 40 counts levelled against them by the EFCC border on conspiracy, theft and fraudulent conversion of money  belonging to NIMASA to their private pockets.

The EFCC said the accused persons acted contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

But upon reading the charges to them on Tuesday,  the nine accused persons pleaded not guilty to the entire 40 counts.

Justice Buba later admitted them to bail in the sum of N50m.

He adjourned till May 23 for their trial to commence.

Meanwhile, the judge also adjourned till April 18 for the EFCC to arraign Akpobolokemi and others on another 22 counts. Tompolo had also been listed as the 1st defendant in the charge, but his name was removed following his failure to show up to answer the charges.

The EFCC said he would also be arranged separately on the 22 counts whenever he was produced before the court.

Justice Buba had since January 14 issued a warrant for his arrest. The said warrant was renewed on February 8.

He is also praying the appellate court to order the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to reassign his case from Justice Buba to another judge, adding that he was afraid he might not get justice before Justice Buba.

EFCC to try Tompolo separately over N45.9bn fraud

We can’t bring Tompolo to court – Lawyers

Ramon Oladimeji

Two Lagos-based lawyers, Messrs Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, representing a former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who is on the run, have said it is not their duty to produce him before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

They pointed to Paragraph 3(b) of the Federal High Court Practice Direction 2013, which provided that, “On the date of first arraignment, the prosecutor must produce the accused person in court.”

There is a pending 40-count of alleged N45.9bn fraud against Tompolo and nine others before Justice Ibrahim Buba, where the suspects were expected to take their plea.

But while his alleged accomplices had been attending court, Tompolo had repeatedly snubbed court summons served on him, making the judge to issue two separate warrants for his arrest.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which charged Tompolo to court, had subsequently declared him wanted through a newspaper advertorial and also obtained a court order to confiscate all his assets, pending when he would submit himself to the authority of the court.

Oyetibo and Adegboruwa had, however, gone before the Court of Appeal, seeking to void the arrest warrant issued against their client.

In a statement jointly signed by them on Wednesday, the two lawyers said it was the duty of the EFCC, and not theirs, to fish out Tompolo and bring him to court.

The statement was issued in a reaction to the editorial of a national daily (not The PUNCH), suggesting that the lawyers, who had been taking instructions from Tompolo, apparently knew where he was and ought to be mandated to produce him, since efforts by security agencies to arrest him had not yielded any result.

The editorial had reportedly suggested that the lawyers owed Nigerians the duty to produce Tompolo, who is on the run, failure of which they ought to be disciplined by the court for professional misconduct.

But the lawyers described such a suggestion as a misconception, stressing that they had not breached any law to warrant being sanctioned as suggested in the said editorial.

They berated the newspaper for sitting as a judge over a matter which was already before the court and advised it to always “seek proper legal advice before embarking on passing judgment upon matters bordering on law and procedure so as to avoid falling into the type of grave error of judgment they committed on this occasion.”

They added that their client had the right to appeal any order of court against him, citing the case of Fawehinmi Vs Attorney-General of Lagos State (1989), where the Court of Appeal held that accused persons were entitled in law to take their objection to the charge, irrespective of the fact that they were not physically present in court.

We can’t bring Tompolo to court – Lawyers

EFCC seeks court order to seize Tompolo’s assets

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has applied to a Federal High Court in Lagos for an order to seize some assets belonging to a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, pending when he will appear to answer charges of N45.9bn fraud preferred against him and nine others.

Tompolo

The application dated February 18, 2016 was filed by the EFCC lawyer, Festus Keyamo, pursuant to sections 80 and 81 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The EFCC listed Tompolo’s assets which it intended to seize as his house located at No. 1, Chief Agbamu Close DDPA Extension Warri (Effurun), Delta State.

His other assets which the EFCC sought to seize are Mieka Dive Ltd.; Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd.; Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd.; Muhaabix Global Services Ltd.; a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA -15; “Tompolo Dockyard,” “Tompolo Yard,” the Diving School at Kurutie, at Escravos River; “Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, opposite the Palace.

The anti-graft commission also urged the court to grant it an order to take over any other movable and immovable assets belonging to Tompolo.

In a five-paragraph affidavit filed in support of the application, a lawyer from Keyamo’s chambers, Adah Adah, said he was aware that Tompolo had been invited on several occasions by the EFCC to answer allegations of fraudulent activities.

He added that a charge had been filed against him before the court but that Tompolo had persistently refused to honour all the invitations extended to him.

Adah said he was aware that Tompolo had already briefed two lawyers, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, to represent him.

Adah said he recalled that a bench warrant was issued against Tompolo by the court on January 14, 2016.

“That since the issuance of the warrant of arrest, the 1st accused person has absconded and concealed himself from all security forces in the country to frustrate the execution of the warrant of arrest.

“That rather than present himself to the court, the 1st accused person engaged the services of Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), who filed a motion dated 27th day of January, 2016 to set aside the warrant of arrest. The said motion was dismissed on the 8th day of February, 2016.

“That since the order for the arrest of the 1st accused person, the combined team of the Nigeria police and the military have been combing the creeks and the entire nation for the arrest of the 1st accused person, but he continues to abscond and conceal himself.”

Adah said the EFCC operatives had investigated and discovered that the assets it sought to seize indeed belong to Tompolo.

He said it would be in the interest of justice for the court to grant the application.

The EFCC filed 40 counts against Tompolo and nine others, including the immediate-past Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The other suspects in the charge are Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Capt. Warredi Enisuoh.

The suspects were charged along with four companies, namely: Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

The suspects were accused of diverting and converting to their personal use a sum of N34bn and N11.9bn belonging to NIMASA.

The offence, according to EFCC, is contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

EFCC seeks court order to seize Tompolo’s assets

Tompolo no where to be found 4 days to court appearance

By Emma Amaize & Egufe Yafugborhi WARRI—FOUR days to the February 19 date given by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to the nation’s security agencies to produce the former ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, there is no clue on his whereabouts.

Also, his Ijaw relatives are not ready to give up the former militant leader, who the people of Gbaramatu-Ijaw in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, regard in very high esteem.

A royal father, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “No Gbaramatu man will reveal the hideout of Tompolo to any security man even if he knows, unless that person does not have a true Ijaw blood flowing in him.

“Tompolo is an institution, not only in Ijawland, but in the whole of Niger Delta. He has touched many lives and is the current symbol of the struggle. Therefore, it is not easy for any full-blooded Ijaw man to betray him. From what I can see, the whole thing is about business transaction, the Federal Government should settle the matter and let peace reign.”

Tompolo no where to be found 4 days to court appearance

Tompolo declared wanted by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday declared a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, wanted.

Tompolo

The anti-graft agency, in an advertorial signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said it decided to declare Tompolo wanted following two bench warrants issued against him by a Federal High Court in Lagos, where he has been charged with a N45.9bn fraud.

In the said advertorial, which carried a photograph of Tompolo, the EFCC described him as a 47-year-old, dark-complexioned man from Okerenkoko, Gbaramotu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Tompolo, whose address was given as No. 1, Chief Agbanu Street, DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State, speaks both Izon and English languages, according to EFCC.

The public announcement issued by Uwujaren read in part, “The general public is hereby notified that Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a. Tompolo), whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in relation to the offence of conspiracy and illegal diversion of the sum of N34,000,000,000.00 and N11,900,000,000.00 belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.”

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos had issued a bench warrant against Tompolo on January 14 after he shunned a summons dated January 12, 2016 issued by the judge to appear in connection with the fraud charges filed against him and nine others by EFCC.

Justice Buba had ordered the law enforcement agencies to produce Tompolo before him on February 8 for him to answer the charges, but rather than appear in court on January 8, Tompolo brought an application seeking to quash the bench warrant and arrest order.

The judge, who dismissed the application for lacking in merit, renewed the arrest warrant and directed all law enforcement agencies to produce Tompolo before him on February 19.

Tompolo’s lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), after failing to get the bench warrant vacated, turn down the responsibility of undertaking to produce his client in court.

Oyetibo said it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the suspect in court.

The EFCC filed 40 counts against Tompolo and nine others, including the immediate-past Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Tompolo declared wanted by EFCC

Court rejects Tompolo’s plea to vacate arrest warrant

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday rejected the plea to set aside the bench warrant issued on January 14 against a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Tompolo

The judge, in a bench ruling, said the warrant of arrest issued against Tompolo still stood and ordered all the law enforcement agencies in the country to ensure that Tompolo was produced before him on February 19.

Tompolo is wanted by the court over an alleged N34bn fraud, which he allegedly perpetrated in conjunction with nine others.

He is to be arraigned along with his alleged accomplices on 40 counts filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

His alleged accomplices include the immediate-past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi

Tompolo’s accomplice the immediate-past Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi in court this morning.

Others are Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Capt. Warredi Enisuoh.

The suspects were charged along with four companies, namely: Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

The suspects were accused of diverting and converting to their personal use a sum of N34bn belonging to NIMASA.

The offence, according to EFCC, is contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and were liable to punishment under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

The suspects were supposed to have been arraigned on January 14, but Tompolo had shunned a court’s summons dated January 12 to appear, leading the judge to issuing a bench warrant against him.

The judge had ordered that Tompolo should be produced before him on Monday.

But rather than come to court, Tompolo, through his lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), brought an application urging the judge to set aside the arrest warrant issued against him.

While arguing the application, Oyetibo claimed that his client had not been properly served with the charge sheet and the summons.

He claimed that though the court granted the EFCC an order for substituted service, the anti-graft agency only pasted the charge sheet and summons at a wrong address.

He urged the court to rule that his client had not been served and that the bench warrant ought not to have been issued.

Oyetibo also argued that the Federal Government did not obtain the leave of the court to change its designation on the charge sheet from plaintiff to complainant.

But Justice Buba dismissed the application, noting that Oyetibo was in court because he was briefed by Tompolo, and such Tompolo could not claim that he was not aware of the charge pending against him.

The judge described as frivolous the argument that the Federal Government did not first seek the leave of the court before amending its status from plaintiff to complainant in the charge and urged counsel not to waste the time of the court on mere technicalities.

He held, “The entire gamut of this application is for the court to set aside the order granting substituted service of the charge.

“The first defendant missed the point completely. The law is that anybody like the EFCC has the power to arrest anyone if it has reasonable belief that such person has committed an offence.

“On January 12 when the application for substituted service was moved, one of the averments was that the applicant was invited by the EFCC to answer to some allegations, but up till today he has not deemed it fit to honour the invitation.

“It is very clear that the order for substituted service is more than justified against a man who has refused to honour lawful invitation by the EFCC.

“Not only is the accused aware of the charge but has further briefed counsel representing him, who on his behalf, demanded for all processes filed.

“Therefore, all the authorities cited on this issue are, with respect, misconceived. Whether served by substituted means or not, the accused is aware of the charge.

“The application challenging service is misconceived same be and is hereby dismissed.

“The order for arrest still subsists. All authorities in Nigeria are hereby further ordered to ensure that the order of this court for the arrest of Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo  is carried out to the letter.”

Court rejects Tompolo’s plea to vacate arrest warrant

Tompolo makes u-turn ready to face EFCC

FORMER General Officer Commanding, GOC, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, Government Ekpumupolo, alias Tompolo, made a volte face, Thursday, saying he would appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which issued a bench warrant for his arrest, January 14, but “at the appropriate time.”

Tompolo

The bench warrant followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which had filed different charges against Tompolo, including diversion of N34 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA to personal use and laundering of N22.6 billion.

Tompolo, who spoke through his Media Adviser and Consultant, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo also said he would never commence war against the Federal Government having accepted amnesty in 2009, reiterating that he was not party to the recent three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in Delta state.

“Tompolo has no reason to bomb pipelines because of EFCC case, he knows he is innocent. As he has stated in several occasions, he will appear in court at the appropriate time as his lawyers are working towards that,” he said.

Before now, Tompolo had said, “The truth of the matter is that I do not know anything about the N34 billion naira EFCC is talking about, first, it was 13 billion issue, now it is 34 billion. I am not a signatory to any of the companies mentioned in the said 34 billion case. So I do not know where this one is coming from.”

Reacting to the allegation by another ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia, aliast “General” Africa that he bombed pipelines, Tompolo said he alerted the public that some aggrieved All Progressives Congress, APC, members in Bayesla and Delta states want to destroy national assestsin the Niger Delta state and finger him because of the outcome of the Bayelsa governorship election.

According to the statement, “And true to his fears, these set of APC chieftains that joined the party immediately after the presidential election of 2015 were the first people to accuse him of bombing the pipelines to divert public attention.”

On speed boats for war

Tompolo said “it is the biggest lie of the year, as the military is also aware of the boats and pick-up vans he purchased in 2011 for the surveillance of oil facilities as he was working hand in hand with the military then.

“Tompolo is a man of peace and he is poised for the development of the coastal Niger Delta region. He prays that this matter be amicably resolved so that everyone will know that he always put his people above his person gains.”

“And true to his fears, these set of APC chieftains that joined the party immediately after the presidential election of 2015, were the first people to accuse him of bombing the pipelines to divert public attention.

“These new APC members who the former chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, described as parasites, also threatened to cause problem in the Niger Delta region if the pipeline surveillance contract in Delta State already awarded to Messers Ocean Marine Solution is not re-awarded to them.

This is a clear testimony of their involvement in the bombing of the pipelines. Since then, we all have seen their role in misleading the military and the general public.

“Now, it could be recalled that this same Africanus Ukparasia threatened Tompolo not to show interest in the elections, as he was a strong supporter of the APC candidate. He killed and maimed fellow Ijaw people because of a governorship election, and now he is the one accusing Tompolo of bombing pipelines.”

More details soon

Tompolo makes u-turn ready to face EFCC

Why we can’t hand over Tompolo to JTF, EFCC - Ijaw elders, youths

WARRI—IJAW elders in Delta State, yesterday, said it was impracticable for them to hand over the former General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to security agencies because they neither have the power to do so nor know his (Tompolo) whereabouts currently.

Tompolo

They also said that they do not have any information that Tompolo was involved in the three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in the state, while many see the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s case against him as a form of persecution.

The Federal Government, last weekend, asked Ijaw communities to hand over suspects  involved in the bombing, alleged to be hiding in their areas, to security agencies, while the Joint Task Force, JTF, had earlier threatened to hold community leaders responsible for further acts of pipeline vandalism in their communities.

Chairman, Ijaw (Izon) Okosu –Otu (Ijaw Council of Elders), Delta State, Chief Bare Etolor, said, “It is unfair for the Federal Government to ask Ijaw communities to handover suspects that carried out the bombing because we do not know them. In addition, I do not see how anybody expects us to handover Tompolo to security agencies because we do not have the power to do that, except they want to humiliate us.”

Another Ijaw leader in Gbaramatu Kkingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekame, who re-echoed Etolor’s position, said it was impossible for them to handover Tompolo to the government.

Some Niger Delta and Ijaw youth groups, including the Niger Delta Security Watch Organszation of Nigeria, NWSON and Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, threw their weight behind the elders, saying that the understanding of many Ijaw people was that the government was persecuting Tompolo because he refused to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, Executive Director of Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Warri, Delta State, Mr. Oghenjabor Ikimi, said there was nothing wrong in the residents of the affected areas and ex-militants giving useful information to security agencies to unmask the culprits.

We don’t know the bombers —Chief Etolor

Chief Etolor toldVanguard: “It is unfortunate that the Presidency wants to handle the matter from this angle. Which of the Northern elders did they tell to produce the Boko Haram leaders that are bombing in their areas. So, why are they telling us to handover people who bombed pipelines here?

“If they know the person that did it and ask us to help produce the person and we see him, we can assist with information if we have any. How can anybody say Ijaw leaders should handover suspects? We do not know who did it.

“It is not right. Even if they tell us the person, we do not have arms to arrest anybody. What they are doing is to make us not to have confidence in this government. What power do we have over armed militants? We can only talk to them as elders, not arrest them with guns.

“I am not supporting criminality. In fact, anybody among us, the Ijaw elders, can be a victim anytime. It is difficult for us to produce Tompolo. If they cannot see him with all their intelligence, where do they expect us to see him? I have not even seen Tompolo myself for ages.”

On his part, Chief Gbenekame said, “How can you say we should hand over Tompolo to the EFCC, are we security agents? If he had dealings with EFCC, they should arrest him. Why are they calling Gbaramatu elders?

“What I know is that Tompolo made many enemies when he worked for the Federal Government to guard the pipelines. He burnt illegal refineries, razed boats and these people are not happy. He has been a partner to the government all this while, that is why we called for a political solution to the matter.”

Meanwhile,  Niger Delta Secuity Watch Organisation of Nigeria, NSWON and Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, in a joint statement by their leaders, Dickson Bekederemo and Austin Ozobo, said: “The people of Niger Delta and the ljaw in particular are not at war with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. However, the ljaw will never sacrifice their bravest to satisfy the quest for neo-colonialism. When the moment comes, we shall stand with Tompolo.

“We believe that what the Federal Government wants to do is a repeat of what the Russians did to Poland during World War II, kill the bravest of their braves, the rest is history. We wish to inform President Buhari that in the hearts and minds of every Niger Deltan lies an embryonic Tompolo waiting to hatch.

“We call on President Buhari not to be deceived by a few pipelines surveillance contract seekers. There was Judea, yet Christ resurrected from the dead. There were traitors, yet Allah protected Prophet Mohammed in the cave with a cob web when people led his enemies to capture him.

“It may interest you to know that Tompolo is a strong member of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even in defeat. Unlike some elements of the party from our region that are bread and butter members. Tompolo alleged that the APC- led government persuaded him to decamp to its fold. The party until date, did not refute his assertion.

“Suddenly, the EFCC froze the bank account of Global West Vessels Limited. The management of the company initiated an action against EFCC in court. The agency bluntly refused to file a defence, only for the agency to file charges against him in another Federal High Court.

“The question we will like to ask is: Is Tompolo the chief executive or the Managing Director of Global West Vessels Limited? Assuming, for the purpose of argument, that Global Vessels Limited committed financial crime, is Tompolo the alter ego of the company? The EFCC invitation and subsequent harassment and persecution of Tompolo goes beyond what meets the eye.”

Why we can’t hand over Tompolo to JTF, EFCC - Ijaw elders, youths

Surrender to EFCC, Bayelsa APC elders tell Tompolo

Elders in Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress have advised that a repented Niger Delta militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), should surrender himself for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over N13bn fraud.

Tompolo

They also demanded an apology from the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Timi Frank, over his comments against the party leadership in the State “in his own interest.”

The PUNCH had reported that Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted an order compelling him to answer an amended 40 counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering levelled against him and a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

But shortly after the court order, militants attacked oil installations, fuelling speculations that his ‘boys’ were responsible.

However, Tompolo in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, accused the candidate of the APC in the Bayelsa State governorship election, Timipre Sylva, of trying to link him to the renewed vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region,  saying he (Sylva) was the one responsible.

But a member of the Bayelsa APC Elders, Chief Arerebo Bodi, at a reception organised in his honour on Saturday in Abuja, said it was important for Tompolo to honour the request of the EFCC, rather than blame Sylva and other APC leaders in the State.

Surrender to EFCC, Bayelsa APC elders tell Tompolo

Court orders Tompolo"s arrest

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, ordered the arrest of a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

Tompolo

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba issued a bench warrant for Tompolo’s arrest after he failed to appear in court to face the criminal charges filed against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The judge had, on Wednesday, summoned Tompolo, ordering him to appear yesterday, but the accused did not turn up.

Other accused in the charge include a former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, who appeared in court in crutches; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Kemi Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

They were all in court and represented by counsel, except Tompolo.

Meanwhile, the charge was not read to the other accused persons as it is a joint trial, which requires the physical presence of all the accused persons, before the charge could be read to them and their plea taken.

EFCC’s prosecutor, Festus Keyamo, informed the court, yesterday, that the summons and charge were duly affixed on a conspicuous part of Tompolo’s home at 1, Chief Agbanu DDPA Extension, Warri, Delta State, as ordered by the court.

He said Tompolo ignored previous invitations by EFCC during investigation and failed to report to make a statement.

“We were able to go to Warri on Wednesday and pasted the processes on his wall. We took photographs of them as ordered by this court

“In view of the absence of the first accused (Tompolo) despite being served, may we come under Section 141 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to apply for a warrant of arrest.

“Even at the point of investigation, the accused person spurned all invitations to him. Now he has also disobeyed the court. We, therefore, apply under Section 141 so that we can compel his attendance,” Keyamo said.

Akpobolokemi’s lawyer, Dr Joseph Nwobike, SAN, said though he was not representing Tompolo, it would be in the interest of justice if the former militant leader was given more time  to be in court having only been served with the summons a day earlier.

“A person served in Warri, Delta State, may need some time to come to court, moreso, when he is outside jurisdiction,” he said.

But Keyamo pointed out that before the summons were issued, Tompolo had acted like an “outlaw.”

Ruling, Justice Buba said there was evidence that Tompolo had consistently ignored EFCC’s invitations, so he had no option than to order his arrest.

The court said, “The process is to serve him with summons to appear. Where he appears, that is the end of the matter. He will answer the charges. Where he fails to appear in obedience to the summons, the other process is to compel his attendance by way of arrest.

“There is an affidavit showing that the first defendant was served as ordered by the court. In the circumstance, the court is in a position to exercise its discretion to order for the arrest of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) to compel his attendance to answer the allegations before the court.

“It is so hereby ordered that the warrant of arrest of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) shall be issued forthwith.”

The accused persons in the 40-count charge were alleged to have  diverted N34 billion, which accrued from a public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel   Specialist Limited for personal use.

The alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Meanwhile, further hearing in the matter was adjourned till February 8.

Court orders Tompolo"s arrest

Scam: Tompolo to appear before court on Thursday

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has summoned former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo to appear before it.

Tompolo

Justice Ibrahim Buba asked Tompolo to appear before him on Thursday, January 14, to answer to a 40-count charge of unlawful conversion brought against him by the EFCC.

He also granted leave to EFCC to serve Tompolo the summons and the charges through substituted means by “affixing same on the conspicuous part of his last known address situated at 1, Chief Agbanu DDPA Extension Warri, Delta State”.

The judge issued the summons following an application filed by the EFCC through its lawyer, Rotimi Oyedipo, who alleged that they have not been able to serve Tompolo with a copy of the charge.

The commission also informed the court that Tompolo had so far, refused to honour several invitations extended to him for questioning.

Accused Persons

The anti-graft agency had in December 2015 filed a case against Tompolo, a former boss of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and eight others for allegedly converting to personal use, the sums of $108.7 million and 2.1 billion Naira belonging to NIMASA.

Other accused persons were: Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

The suit was filed on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by its prosecutor, Festus Keyamo.

In 16 of the counts, the agency alleged that Ekpemupolo, Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Boloboere Property Estate, Kime Engozu, and Simon John Adomene, who is currently at large, conspired among themselves between 2012 and 2014 to commit the offence, knowing that the two sums of money were proceeds of stealing.

In counts 17-38 of the criminal charges, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu, and Destre Consult Ltd were alleged to have converted the sum of 106.8 million Naira, the property of Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, despite knowing that the sum was derived from official corruption.

In counts 39 and 40, the EFCC alleged that Captain Warredi Enisuoh converted the sum of eight million Naira, property of Global West Vessel Specialist, knowing that the money was derived from official corruption.

According to the EFCC the offences alleged to have been committed by the accused persons were contrary to and punishable under the Money Laundering Act of 2012.

Akpolobokemi is currently facing two different charges of stealing and conversion of money running into billions of Naira before the same court.

Akpobolokemi and nine others were first arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu on December 3, 2015 on a 30-count charge of conspiracy, criminal conversion and laundering the sum of 3.1 billion Naira.

The EFCC claimed that the accused persons allegedly conspired among themselves to convert and launder the sum under the guise of providing security intelligence around the maritime domain.

On December 4, 2015, the anti-graft agency also arraigned the form NIMASA DG and five others before Justice Buba on a 22-count charge of stealing the sum of 2.5 billion Naira.

Akpolobokemi and other accused persons have, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Scam: Tompolo to appear before court on Thursday

Ask EFCC to leave Tompolo alone, ex-militants beg Buhari

WARRI — FORMER Niger Delta militants, weekend, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to leave ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, alone and follow the rule of law in its dealings with him. The erstwhile agitators, who met under the auspices of the Transformed Niger Delta Ex-militants Forum, asserted that some persons, who were envious of Tompolo, wrote a petition against him to the EFCC, but advised that the commission in the discharge of its duties should respect the rule of law.

In a communiqué signed by its national president, Meshach Bebenimibo and others, they said, “We appeal to the President as a matter of urgency to instruct the EFCC to follow due process within 1999 Constitution as amended.” At the meeting held in Warri were Prince Bebenimibo, Bayelsa , Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Ondo coordinators of the group, Peter Ayeebide, Austin Peremobowei, Korebor Minama, Anthony Youbai, Oluwah Michael and Oloye Tamarayende.

They said: “We want EFCC to leave Tompolo alone because the petitioners are acting out of jealousy to indict and incarcerate him, that is why they are lying to the whole world that Tompolo sold the land for the building of Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko.”

According to the communiqué, “The petitioners know the truth and the truth is that Tompolo only sold the International Diving Institute buildings at Kurutie community and the place was sand filled before he built the school. Among the structures are lecture halls, multipurpose pavilion, administrative block, vice- chancellor’s lodge and hostels for male and female students.”

“The previous government brought valuers and did all necessary legal things and collected VAT money before paying him about 90 per cent as agreed.

“We also urge EFCC to have a rethink and defreeze Mieka and GlobalWest accounts.” The group, however, commended President Buhari for his interest in the region, particularly the inclusion of fund for the Amnesty programme in the 2016 Budget presented to the National Assembly, saying, “We really appreciate your kind gesture.”

Ask EFCC to leave Tompolo alone, ex-militants beg Buhari

Tompolo lied, FG didn’t approve N13bn – Chief Johnny

•They claimed FEC and NIMASA shared N1 billion each as facilitators

By Emma Amaize

A  leader from Okerenkoko community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Michael Johnny, yesterday, said the Federal Executive Council, FEC, never sat and approved    N13 billion for the acquisition of a temporary site for the Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, as claimed by ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Tompolo

Chief Johnny, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on phone said, “Tompolo is lying, there is no such approval. If there is, I demand that the minutes of such meeting by FEC be published because I have made inquiry and there is nothing like that.”

The Okerenkoko leader said, “It is a rip-off, Tompolo came to Okerenkoko community at the time and informed the people that some houses in the community would be used as temporary site of the university, while work would be going on the permanent site, he never told them about another temporary site at Kurutie.”

“It was on the occasion that he promised equity in the execution of the project and that indigenous contractors would be recognized, but out of about 22 contractors that we saw, there was none from Okerenkoko. That was when I carried out a protest against him. They arrested and locked me and other leaders at the Federal Prisons, Okere, Warri, for two months and six days for daring Tompolo.

“Traditional rulers from Ijaw land intervened in the matter before I regained freedom.    Tompolo told them it was the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and NIMASA, not him, that ordered my arrest and detention.    I spent not less than N32 million to secure the release of myself and others that were illegally arrested and detained,” he said.

Chief Johnny asserted, “as far as the N13 billion deal is concerned, Tompolo has many questions to answer. It is not even this matter only; there are other matters.  He should report to the EFCC to explain himself.”

He added, “they lied to Okerenkoko community that only N3 billion was approved for and brought only N450 million to the host community. They claimed that N1 billion was shared to FEC and another N1 billion to NIMASA and other facilitators of the project, while remainder went to other communities in Gbaramatu kingdom.”

“Those people who say they are Okerenkoko leaders kicking against the call to probe Tompolo are his puppets, his investigation by EFCC does not affect Gbaramatu kingdom, not to talk of Ijaw nation, it is his personal matter and he should face it,’’ he said.

Chief Johnny said he was not against the NMU project at Okerenkoko and called on the Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, who recently suspended construction work on the project to rescind his order, as the people should not suffer for what they know nothing about.

Tompolo lied, FG didn’t approve N13bn – Chief Johnny

Tompolo to FG: ‘You can’t push me into war’

• Explains why he can’t honour EFCC’s invitation for now

Former militant leader and Gbaramatu traditional titleholder, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), yesterday dismissed his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a ploy to intimidate and witch-hunt him because of his refusal to back the candidate of the All Progressive Congress in the stalemated Bayelsa State governorship election.

Tompolo

He said he would not honour the latest invitation from EFCC as he has already filed a suit in court against the commission.

The anti-graft agency had given him one week to report at its Ikoyi, Lagos office to answer questions over a land matter.

However, Tompolo reacting to reports that he was on the run on account of the EFCC’s invitation said: “I know why they are after me. It is not the alleged multi-billion naira property transaction. After all, it went through due process and was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“And as such if there are any questions to answer, it is the people at the FEC, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Federal Ministry of Lands and Survey, Federal Ministry of Transport, NIMASA, etc who approved the transaction that should be answering such questions.

“The real reason this APC-led government is after me is that I bluntly refused to join APC and to support their Governorship candidate in Bayelsa State. We cannot all be in APC. Our people have always believed in the Nigerian project and had always hoped to join hands with this administration to move this project forward, but the conditions being attached are not acceptable. I insist on believing in the Nigerian project unconditionally!

“The impression being conveyed is that I was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and I failed to honour the invitation or even respond by letter to the invitation”

Tompolo said his lawyers’ response, stating why he wouldn’t honour EFCC’s invitation was conveyed to the EFCC on December 3, adding, “I have proof of delivery from the courier company.”

He accused the EFCC of lying to Nigerians on allegation that he refused to honour the invitation, adding: “my Solicitor’s letter indicated I am already in court with the EFCC.

“EFCC had been served with the court processes since 20th of October 2015 but they refused to attend court on several occasions, or to file any court papers, only to appear for the first time on 30th November 2015 without filing any court papers. They even asked for the matter to be adjourned to 17th December 2015, the date they are now inviting me to appear before them.

“So the attempt to harass me by their reminder of 9th December 2015, which was leaked to the media on the 10th of December 2015 , the same day as it was delivered to my house in Warri is an unnecessary and face saving effort at brinksmanship.

“As a full blooded Ijaw man and citizen of Nigeria, I have done everything in my power to follow the laws of Nigeria. Since the amnesty declared in 2009 by late President Yar’ Adua I have strained myself to ensure that we all live in peace in this country. Those who think they can push us to war must rethink the necessity of such a war.

“They froze our business accounts since August 4th 2015, but we have not quarrelled with anybody. We sued them to court, they refused to come to court. Now they are threatening to declare me wanted.”

On the threat by the EFCC to declare him wanted, Tompolo vowed that he would not be intimidated, adding, “The threat to declare me wanted is an unnecessary attempt to heat up the polity. I will go about my daily business, usual.”

Tompolo to FG: ‘You can’t push me into war’

Niger Delta: MEND Abort Crucial Meeting

•I was under pressure to convene meeting — Tompolo

•Jomo Gbomo MEND distances itself from purported gathering

•Bayelsa govt, Police, JTF not aware of assembly

•Ignore MEND, Itsekiri, Urhobo leaders urge Buhari

•Ijaw House quiet, no preparation for summit

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, Niger Delta and  Sam Oyadongha

Tompolo

YENAGOA– LEADER of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, explained, yesterday,  that he summoned a  meeting  of the militant group in  Yenagoa,  Bayelsa State, because of  the overpowering  pressure mounted on him and other MEND leaders by ex-agitators and other beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme.  The meeting earlier scheduled to hold today has been put off.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, called for the postponement of the parley, saying he would meet with the ex-militants to discuss the burning issues affecting the ex-agitators.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, reads: “Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called for the postponement of the proposed meeting of the leaders of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta, earlier scheduled for this Saturday, 25th of July, 2015 in Yenagoa by them. The governor will meet with them soon to discuss issues as they affect the ex-agitators and others issues of overall strategic interest of the region and the nation as a whole.”

The governor called for “the understanding and cooperation of all concerned.”

Informed sources, however, told Saturday Vanguard that due the tension generated by the meeting, some ex-agitators had already declared that they would not participate.

They, nonetheless, expressed their willingness to attend a meeting summoned by Governor Dickson soon to discuss issues as they affect the Ijaw nation, the region and the country.

I was under pressure to convene meeting – Tompolo

Tompolo confirmed there was apprehension in Ijaw land over the continued delay by the Federal Government in paying monthly stipends to the beneficiaries, adding that while some of them, (leaders) understood the reason for the noticeable delay apparently caused by the scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office, majority of the beneficiaries did not see it in that light.

His words: “While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.”

The ex-militant leader, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation is, however, flabbergasted that a section of the media mischievously linked the meeting to the stoppage of  his pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment had not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments.

Describing is it as highly provocative and despicable; he said he was considering calling off the meeting, if anything, to show that he had no bad intention and would want Niger Delta to remain peaceful under the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that leaders across the region had called Tompolo, yesterday, advising him to cancel the meeting, as the intention was likely to be misconstrued.

However, the group of MEND, which refused to disband after Tompolo and others disbanded the militant group in 2009, yesterday, in a statement by Jomo Gbomo, distanced itself from the meeting.

Why I called meeting – Tompolo

Tompolo’s statement read: “I am compelled to clarify issues as they relate to the meeting of the leadership of ex-agitators under the platform of MEND and other organizations summoned at my instance.

“The nation would recall that in the build- up to the Amnesty offer of the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, there was hesitance on the part of most of Niger Delta agitators until God in His infinite mercy granted me wisdom to provide leadership.

“The nation will also recall that under the Amnesty programme as inherited by the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, relative peace was enjoyed even as security of lives and property was enhanced to an appreciable level. Also, oil production increased from 700 barrels per day to 2.5million barrels per day. Put simply, hitherto aggrieved Niger-Delta youths, who inadvertently became agitators, upon the acceptance of the Amnesty offer, refrained from armed agitation to face normal urban life,” he said.

He continued: “Nonetheless, while some of us understand to an extent, the apparent delay in the continued payment of the monthly stipend to the ex-agitators in view of the seeming scrutiny of government agencies, including the Amnesty Office by the current administration, same cannot be said of the majority of beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

“To this extent, some of us, particularly me and other leaders have been under intense pressure from ex-agitators, commanders, individuals, parents and guardians as well as communities who are beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

“While a few see the delay in the payment of their monthly stipends in the light of the need for the current government to settle in properly, others see the delay as a template to stop the programme. The expulsion of some students (home and overseas) by their schools and training institutions particularly has heightened these fears.

“Hence, I thought it wise that a meeting of the collegiate leadership of the platform under which we operated as agitators could be convened to appraise the situation and possibly, explore means to douse the tension that is growing among the disarmed youths whose stipends (training allowances and tuition fees) have been delayed for months.

“This becomes more compelling in view of the fact that as leaders of the platform that served as midwife to the Amnesty offer, we owe the nation a duty to play our roles in order to stem a relapse of the relative peace in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

Tompolo blasts media

Tompolo said it was unfortunate that a section of the Nigerian nation and the media chose  to toe the path of misinforming the public and right -thinking people on the purpose of the meeting.

He said they linked the meeting to “whatever decision the current government at the centre may have taken in relation to the stoppage of the pipeline surveillance contract, even though payment have not been made for the services rendered in the renewed contract, or termination of appointments. This is highly provocative and despicable.”

According to him, “The tension generated by the meeting is uncalled for, diversionary and mischievous as no evil is intended in whatever form.”

“We appreciate the pressures being mounted by leaders from the region, especially as some have expressed concern that the meeting could be misinterpreted to mean the resurgence of hostilities in the region,” he said, adding, “We say, it is not.”

He asserted: “However, we take into account the fact that having embraced peace and remained supportive of various governments at all levels, including the President  Muhammadu Buhari government, we are surprised that a meeting of ex-agitators could prop anxiety. Hence, we shall ensure our genuine intentions are reflected in our attitude towards peace, security and development of the region. Calling off today’s meeting can also be an option if need be, in order to strengthen our belief in a peaceful Niger Delta.”

Ignore MEND, Itsekiri, Urhobo leaders urge Buhari

Meanwhile, two Itsekiri and Urhobo leaders in Delta State, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Olorogun Egbo Jaro, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rebuff the attempt by some members of the splintered MEND, led byTompolo, to distract him from probing the Amnesty programme.

Chief Emami in a terse statement, said: “Some of us are against the meeting because it is uncalled for. For the last six years when Tompolo enjoyed juicy contracts from the Federal Government through NIMASA, pipeline surveillance, maritime security and other forms of undue favours, why didn’t he convene such a meeting? I must use this opportunity to stress once more that Niger Delta does not belong to one ethnic nationality.”

“Members of the fractured MEND have been granted amnesty long ago by the Federal Government and whatever the agenda of that meeting  should be disregarded by the Buhari administration, which has shown absolute focus. People like us are determined to give the Buhari administration total support.’’

National leader, Urhobo Nationality Council, UNC, Olorgoun Jaro Egbo, stated: “The Urhobo ethnic nationality of Niger Delta are seriously against the purported meeting of the MEND as it is self-serving, misconceived and likely to bring the peace we now enjoy into disarray.”

“We must strongly warn the so-called commanders of MEND that their properties in Urhobo land will be in serious jeopardy if they go ahead with the meeting. We fully support the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The Urhobo will resist any attempt by MEND and their co-travellers if they resort to arms,” he added.

 

Niger Delta: MEND Abort Crucial Meeting

Tension in Niger Delta as Tompolo convenes MEND meeting

There was concern in military circles in the Niger Delta region on Thursday following the planned meeting of leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Tompolo

The meeting, slated for Izon House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, is being convened by MEND leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo.

A terse invitation, a copy of which was made available to our reporter, reads: “My dearly beloved Commanders and Leaders of various wings of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), I greet you all.

“It is my pleasure to humbly invite you to a very crucial and urgent meeting as follows:

Venue: Izon House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“Date (of the meeting is) Saturday, July 25th, 2015. Time (is) 2pm Prompt,” concluded the letter, which was signed with Tompolo signing off with his traditional title – Izon Ibe-Ebidouwei of Izon nation.

Contacted, Tompolo said the meeting was to deliberate on recent developments in Nigeria as well as the fate of the Niger Delta region in the current political dispensation.

Speaking through his media aide, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, who did not divulge further detail about the meeting, said the MEND leaders would chart a path for the progress of the region.

However, The Nation gathered that the planned meeting is a source of concern for top military commanders in the region.

Tompolo, a known supporter of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was the founder of the deadly group that crippled oil production in the region from 2005.

The Nation gathered that he was placed under security watch following the defeat of Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election.

The former militant leader had maintained a low profile since after the election and subsequent inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

Tension in Niger Delta as Tompolo convenes MEND meeting

Cancel Tompolo’s multi-billion Naira security contract, group tells Buhari

A civic group has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately revoke the multi-billion Naira pipeline protection and waterways security contract awarded a company linked to ex-Niger Delta warlord, Government Ekpemupolo, who is also known as Tompolo.

Tompolo

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption,CSNAC, in a statement released on Sunday,said it is unfortunate that despite the huge amount of money the immediate past administration expended on the contract yearly, “the water ways are still largely insecure and thousands of barrels of crude oil are still lost daily in oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.”

Global West Vessel Specialist Agency Ltd, a company linked to Tompolo, secured the $103 million contract during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Tompolo was one of the Niger Delta militants who accepted the Nigerian government’s amnesty programme in 2010. The contract and other similar ones given to Global West and other companies linked to the ex-militants has raised controversy since they were made public. The ex-militants had threatened mass violence if Mr. Jonathan, who is also from the Niger Delta region, was not re-elected president, but later backed down from the threat.

The chairman of CSNAC, Olanrewaju Suraju, said there could be no justification for the newly inaugurated Buhari administration to continue the contract when more crude oil has been lost to pirates and other oil thieves since the contract was awarded.

“As a matter of fact, crude oil theft increased from 250,000 barrels/day before the contract to 400,000 barrels/day since the ceding of Nigeria’s territorial water to a private company without any record of experience in similar service,” he said.

Mr. Suraju recalled that in 2012, the Goodluck Jonathan administration signed a $103 million contract with Global West to protect the country’s maritime areas and stop piracy and oil theft, a job he explained was the primary function of the country’s navy as spelt out in the constitution. He quoted the pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Ahmed Ramalan, as saying the agency, through which the contract was issued, pays Tompolo N1.5 billion monthly for the pipeline protection contract. The ex-maritime chief also called for the contract to be revoked as a means of revamping the economy.

Similarly, Mr Suraju said other ex-militants under the aegis of the National Coalition of Niger-Delta Ex-agitators have also called for the contract to be reviewed.

The anti-corruption coalition argued that since “the Nigerian Navy in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies were established to maintain security of the Federation and her waters,” it is “improper delegation of duty to assign such an enormous task to a private company instead of equipping the relevant agencies to enable them carry out their constitutional role effectively.”

“CSNAC is therefore by this petition demanding the immediate revocation of the said contract and the transfer of the said assignment to the Nigerian Navy and other relevant law enforcement agencies,” Mr. Suraju said.

“Also, the Nigerian Navy and other law enforcement agencies should be equipped with the necessary equipments and resources required to enable them appropriately safeguard our waterways, in order to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.

“That way, our economy would experience tremendous revamp as the profit that will be made from the sale of crude oil which hitherto would have be lost can be utilised for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”

Cancel Tompolo’s multi-billion Naira security contract, group tells Buhari

Buhari to revoke Jonathan’s contracts to OPC, ex-militants

Anyone who thinks that the administration of the incoming president, General Mohammadu Buhari would tolerate the surveillance of oil pipelines and waterways by private individuals or groups should better think again as there are now plans to discard the practice and revert to the use of conventional security agencies.

Saturday Vanguard’s investigations during the week indicated that already some highly placed persons in Buhari’s camp with military and security backgrounds have begun to fashion out ways that would facilitate the process.

It was gathered that the man behind the process was a Director in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Organisation.

His briefs included to liaise with experts in the sector and other people with rich legal background to work out the template for the new surveillance policy.

When this is completed, the incoming administration, we gathered, would further equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Army and Navy, as well as the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and hand them over the job of protecting the oil pipelines and other installations both onshore and offshore.

The implication of this however, is that Buhari’s government would stop the contract with some former Niger-Delta militants or groups like the Odua People’s Congress, OPC in the South-west region which the Jonathan administration had awarded such contracts.

The contracts to ex-militants to police Nigeria’s waterways runs into billions of naira, the money, experts say should have been invested in the Navy to perform the role.

In the build up to the last general elections in the country, the media was awash with reports that the outgoing president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan awarded a surveillance contract estimated at about N9 billion to the OPC. OPC leader, Gani Adams severally thanked President Jonathan for the contract.

Buhari had Wednesday, during his meeting with Rivers State chieftains of APC in Abuja warned that his government will not tolerate”an army within the army or a police within the police” in the country.

He had also, at a forum in Abuja, told Nigerians that he would upon assumption of office reopen the books of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC for proper auditing in a bid to ensure transparency in the oil sector of the economy.

Speaking in exclusive interview with Vanguard, a member of the Board of Trustees of APC, Chief Sam Nkire said that Buhari would have to tinker with the contracts if they were not properly awarded.

According to Nkire, the outgoing government of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, had a lot of underhand deals with some groups.

“Well, once a government has been swept away, it ceases to exist. The new government takes charge and whatever it decides to do, becomes the law. If the government or presidency of Buhari thinks those contracts were not properly given out or were not given to qualified people, of course, the government will cancel those contracts.

“And from what I know of the incoming president, he will not waste a day to cancel those contracts because these are the reasons why Nigerians rejected the PDP government. Because, they did things that should not be done. They did things without recourse to the law.

“They did things with impunity and knowing Buhari as a man who abhors impunity; a man we can say is one of the incorruptible persons, I will be surprised if he does not revoke contracts that were wrongly awarded if he sees them”, Nkire said.

Other areas the incoming Buhari’s regime would look into according to Saturday Vanguard’s investigations include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, an agency responsible for the regulation of the activities of Nigerian shipping, maritime, labour and coastal waters and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.

Sources who spoke to Saturday Vanguard said that the two agencies stink with corruption and financial improprieties.

“ Two other agencies Buhari must look into are NIMASA and FIRS. Stories of corruption in those organizations cannot be ignored. For the incoming president to be taken seriously in his pledge to fight and win the war against corruption, he must sanitize these places. They stink,” a reliable APC source added.

 

Buhari to revoke Jonathan’s contracts to OPC, ex-militants

Group Reports Dokubo-Asari, Other Niger Delta Militants To ICC

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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, a nongovernmental organization, has reported Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and his Niger Delta kinsmen to the International Criminal Court, ICC, over their inciting statements ahead of the February general elections.

In a letter dated February 3, and addressed to Amie Bensouda of the Office of the Prosecutor, ICC, HEDA stated that the comments credited to Mr. Dokubo and other Niger Delta militants were “akin to preparation for crimes against humanity”.

“Madam Prosecutor, to avoid a repeat of the Kenyan experience, where evidence to prosecute alleged sponsors of post-election violence could not be sufficiently mobilized, your office is hereby implored to broaden your monitoring engagement to cover pre-election utterances, actions, inactions and postulations from January 2014,” HEDA stated in the letter signed by Firdaws Ibrahim, Communication Officer, HEDA.

“Political gladiators have set the template for developments leading to the heated electoral process. Several politicians, public office holders and their supporters have embarked on hate campaigns, open threat of violence and even act tantamount to genocide.”

Two weeks ago, prominent Niger Delta militants met in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and threatened to unleash violence on the country and take back the region’s oil should President Goodluck Jonathan lose re-election.

“For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharaoh, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Everyone of you should go and fortify yourself,” Mr. Dokubo-Asari, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, said at the gathering.

The militants were reacting to attacks on Mr. Jonathan and his campaign team during his rallies in the north.

Also, last November, Ibrahim Shema, the Katsina State governor, was caught on tape prodding his supporters to kill the opposition.

On January 14, the presidential candidates and their political parties signed a peace pact in Abuja, under the supervision of Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General, and Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary General.

Despite the peace accord, political campaigns across the country have continued to be characterized by hate speech, character assassination, religious and ethnic incitement and, physical attacks on campaign convoys.

The ICC on Tuesday warned that it would not take lightly the outbreak of violence during the general elections and vowed to prosecute persons or groups caught inciting or perpetrating acts of violence in the run-up or after election.

In the letter titled ‘Analysis of Security Situation in Nigeria,’ HEDA pledged to assist the ICC to ensure that sponsors and promoters of election violence are brought to book.

“Past experience have shown the government and by extension the ruling class as unwilling and incapable of bringing an end to politically induced violence or at the least, bring perpetrators of violence to book,” the group said.

“The April 16, 2011 Presidential election was greeted with an orgy of violence that took the world by surprise. It led to the death of over 800 persons in northern Nigeria. The victims were killed in three days of rioting in 12 northern states of Nigeria.

“In response to the mass killings, Nigerian Government on May 11, 2011 appointed a 22-member panel to investigate the causes and extent of the violence.

“In its report, submitted to the President on October 10, 2011, the panel indicted the government of contributing to the violence by failing to implement reports of past commissions and panels on ethno-religious and political crises which has contributed to the 2011 post-election violence and, urged the government to implement the reports.

“More than three years without implementation, even after a white paper was issued on the report, it is obvious the report has gone the way of those before it.

“The government has not only failed to implement recommendations of the Panel, the identified perpetrators of the violence are still freely working streets and, possibly emboldened by government’s inaction to unleash a higher degree of violence, if not favoured by outcomes of the 2015 election.”

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Group Reports Dokubo-Asari, Other Niger Delta Militants To ICC

PDP warns Clark, Tompolo and Dokubo over war threat

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By Emma Amaize, Henry Umoru and Jimitota Onoyume, Abuja

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday asked the former federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Asari- Dokubo, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo and other Niger Delta militants to be mindful of what they say at this period of the nation’s political history.

Edwin Clark

The PDP also warned other support groups, organisations, professional bodies and associations rooting for President Goodluck Jonathan to be careful with their utterances to ensure decency in the polity.

This was even as ex- MEND Commanders in the Niger Delta, gave General Theophilus Danjuma seven days ultimatum to apologize over his call for the arrest of Asari Dokubo,Tompolo for threatening that Nigeria would break up if President Jonathan lost the February Presidential election. The ex-militants said that war would follow in Nigeria if Jonathan lost the election. Chief Clark and the ex-militants blasted General Danjuma in their reaction, saying that his remarks were disappo-inting. At a meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday, the former militant commanders in the region condemned the call for the arrest of front line freedom fighters in the region, Alhaji Mujahideen Asari Dokubo and Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, saying that the call amounted to a declaration of war against the Niger Delta region.

Former MEND Commander, Victor Ebikabowei Ben, alias General Boyloaf, also asked General Danjuma to apologise and hide his head in shame or face humiliation.

However, speaking with newsmen in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh noted that although the party appreciated the support of all Nigerians, it was disturbed over the provocative statements of some people which could provoke other parts of the country, warning that Jonathan was not an Ijaw President or that of the South South geo- political zone of the country alone but the president of all Nigerians.

Metuh said, “we want to stress and state publicly, that whilst we have noted the interest, zeal and enthusiasms of individuals, various groups, support groups and organisations, that are supporting the president with statements, adverts, documentaries and TV programmes; we appeal to them to be guided by the noble ideals and the visions of the founding fathers of our party.

“We are not in agreement with their statements and we are cautioning them to mind what they say. No individuals own the party. The President could be more loved in Anambra than Ijaw area. He has support in Adamawa than in Bayelsa States…

“Well, we have noted that whilst we are not responsible for the utterances, statements of some of our support individuals, groups and organizations; we are cautioning them to be mindful of what they say.

“Ours is a national party. We cover all zones, all local governments. No individual owns our party, no group, no people, no zone owns our party. And being a national party, we caution some of our people, some of our supporters to be mindful of the zeal that they exhibit. Let the wrong impression not be given.

“President Jonathan could even be more loved in Anambra than in the Ijaw area. He could even be more loved in Zamfara than in the Ijaw area. He could even have more support and more votes from Adamawa than in Ijaw. And to buttress this, yesterday in the campaign, Mr President informed all that the Adamawa people gave him twice the number of votes that he got from Bayelsa. So the president is not the president of Ijaw, he is not president of Bayelsa; he is not president of South South, he is the president of the entire Nigeria and he has the support of the entire country.” On PDP’s anticipated victory, Metuh said, “We are rounding up next week. So we have done over 70 percent of our campaign.

Alhaji Asari- Dokubo had threatened that “ ex- militants would return to their old ways should President Jonathan lose the election,” at a meeting last week in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital,

Reacting to the issue, the former Minister of Defence, General Theophilous Danjuma called for the arrest of Dokubo and other former Niger Delta Militants for threatening to rock the boat should President Jonathan lose the February 14 election.

Danjuma who described the statements as reckless, had said, “those are very reckless statements made by irresponsible individuals and they should be condemned. In fact, they should be arrested.’’

But responding to Danjuma, Chief Edwin Clark, Tompolo, Dokubo, others tongue lashed the former Minister, accusing him of sponsoring attacks on Jonathan and that the government should arrest him rather than the ex- militants. Clark who said he was disappointed at the call by Danjuma for the arrest of the Ex- Militants, stressed that he (Danjuma) ought to have condemned the attacks on Jonathan in several states in the North.

Meanwhile, ex militant Commanders in the Niger Delta region have asked General Danjuma to apologise over his call for the arrest of front line freedom fighters in the region or face problems.

‘General’ Reuben Wilson aka Pastor who handed the ultimatum on behalf of other commanders of Defunct Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND in Port Harcourt said Danjuma had by his call for arrest of Niger delta crusaders called for war against the region. Wilson who is now president Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative said Danjuma was among northern leaders that had richly benefited from the oil resource in the region.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications credited to T.Y.Danjuma, a former defence minister, calling for the arrest of former Niger Delta freedom fighters, including our frontline selfless leader and hero, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo.

“As much as he has the right to free speech, Danjuma ought to know that the oil money he is enjoying today, through his ownership of oil blocs, came from our sacrifices and blood. We staked our life to fight for the development of our country. We fought for freedom for our land and it pains us that people like Danjuma who have reaped bountifully from the Niger Delta, can wake up to insult our sensibilities.

“For Danjuma to call for the arrest of Asari Dokubo, then he has walked on the tail of the serpent. The much we know is that we the ex militants who decided to drop our guns to join forces with the federal government to develop the country, especially the Niger Delta have never said anything or taken any action that would warrant such explosives from Danjuma,’’ he said and reaffirmed the support of ex militant commanders for the second term bid of Jonathan. “All we have said overtime is that our brother, President Jonathan, is a true son of the Niger Delta, and deserves to enjoy the two terms in office provided for in the constitution. We stand by this right and we will do everything legal and legitimate to make sure that he is not denied that right, not by a thousand Danjumas.

 

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PDP warns Clark, Tompolo and Dokubo over war threat