A 40-count charge has been filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta, Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State.
Tompolo and Akpobolokemi were alleged to have converted the sum of one hundred and eight million, seven hundred thousand US dollars ($108.7m) and two billion, two million naira (N2.2), property of NIMASA, with the knowledge that the said sums were stolen.
Also charged alongside the duo are eight other accused comprising three other individuals and five limited liability companies. The individuals are serving staff of NIMASA namely Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh while the companies are Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electrical Limited, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd and Destre Consult Ltd.
As stated in the criminal charge filed by EFCC Prosecutor, Festus Keyamo; between the year 2012 and April 2014, the accused conspired amongst themselves to commit offence to wit: Conversion of the sum of $108,708,975.35 and N2,178,320,356 property of NIMASA, knowing that the said money was proceeds of stealing.
In count 17 to count 38 of the criminal charge, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Destre Consult Ltd were alleged to have converted the sum of $106.9 million property of Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, knowing that the sum was derived from official corruption.
Furthermore, in counts 38 and 40, Captain Warredi Enisuoh was alleged to have converted the sum of N8 million, property of Global West Vessel Specialist knowing that the said money was derived from official corruption.
The offences including unlawful conversion, alleged to have been committed by all the accused, are contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 2012 and are accordingly punishable under the said Act.
Tompolo has not honoured an invitation to appear before the EFCC.
Akpobolokemi and 10 others are facing various other criminal charges before two separate judges of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
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