A Federal High Court in Warri on Thursday dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement application by a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, challenging the freezing of his bank accounts and impending arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice E. A. Obile held that he could not sit on appeal over an order made by a Lagos High Court. He therefore upheld objection by the EFCC and struck out the matter.
The court also refused to restrain the EFCC from inviting or prosecuting Tompolo and others.
The EFCC had in January filed a 40-count charge against Tompolo, ex-Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and others over alleged multibillion fraud at the agency.
Also cahrged alongside the two are Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electrical Ltd, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu, and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.
Mr. Akpobolokemi has been appearing in court to face the allegations, but Tompolo had refused to appear in court.
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