Fugitive Tompolo disowns militant group over planned attack

Tompolo
A former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo, on Sunday disowned the Niger Delta Peoples Democratic Front, a militant group that threatened to attack more oil facilities if the federal government does not drop criminal charges against him.

Tompolo in a statement signed by his spokesman, Paul Bebenimibo, said he would not resort to attacks of oil facilities in the region because of fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Tompolo has been in hiding since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted in connection to alleged fraud running into billions of naira committed at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Democratic Front, one self-styled General Playboy, on Sunday threatened to ruin oil facilities if the FG through the EFCC refuses to drop charges against Tompolo and other leaders from the oil rich region.

But the statement however maintained, “Tompolo unequivocally dissociates himself from this threat as he did not send anyone to attack oil facilities in the Niger Delta region because of his case with the EFCC. Tompolo has consistently denied involvement in the resurgence and bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

“Tompolo has said in many occasions that he will not resort to violence and bombing of oil facilities because of his case with the EFCC. Tompolo sued the EFCC for illegally placing non-debit order in his company account in Warri before he was hurriedly dragged to court by the EFCC in Lagos.

“And after a year, the court has refused to hear his case for frivolous excuses. And he has vowed to patiently pursue his case rather than resorting to violence and bombing of oil facilities which are greatly affecting our economy.”

Tompolo also threatened to a legal action against a chief from his Gbaramatu clan, Michael Johnny over his recent accusation on Channels Television programme, “State of the Nation” of sponsoring militants to attacks on oil installations.



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