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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in absentia on 22 counts of fraud amounting to N47.6bn.
Tompolo, Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement were declared as being “now at large” when the charges were read before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, Punch reports.
But Akpobolokemi himself, two females, Josephine Otuaga and Rita Uruakpa and one Kime Engozu, who were also listed as defendants in the amended charge, were present in court on Monday to answer to the charges.
Also arraigned in absentia in relation to the alleged fraud were six brothers of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi – Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement.
The charges bordered on conspiracy, advanced fee fraud and money laundering.
For the alleged offence, the EFCC said the defendants were liable to being punished under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
But Akpobolokemi and his alleged accomplices pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Further proceedings in the case were adjourned till May 30 and 31, 2016.
Source: PUNCH
Tompolo, Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement were declared as being “now at large” when the charges were read before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, Punch reports.
But Akpobolokemi himself, two females, Josephine Otuaga and Rita Uruakpa and one Kime Engozu, who were also listed as defendants in the amended charge, were present in court on Monday to answer to the charges.
Also arraigned in absentia in relation to the alleged fraud were six brothers of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi – Igo, Julius, Victor, Norbert, Emmanuel and Clement.
The charges bordered on conspiracy, advanced fee fraud and money laundering.
For the alleged offence, the EFCC said the defendants were liable to being punished under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
But Akpobolokemi and his alleged accomplices pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Further proceedings in the case were adjourned till May 30 and 31, 2016.
Source: PUNCH
