Tompolo asks court to set aside warrant of arrest

A SUSPECT in the alleged diversion of money belonging to Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and money laundering, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) has filed an application at the Federal High Court, Lagos challenging the warrant issued to compel his appearance in court.

In the application, which was filed by his lawyers, including Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa and Wilson Ajuwa, a copy of which was made available to The Guardian yesterday, Tompolo is seeking, among others, an order setting aside the order made by the court on 12th January, 2016 for the issuance of summons to compel his appearance and for substituted service of the processes in the proceeding on him.

Tompolo is also claiming that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not follow due process of law in applying for an order of substituted service of the criminal charge against him and that no service of the charge was effected as directed by the court before the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest against him.

He claims further that up till now, he has not been served with the criminal charge or any warrant of arrest.

Tompolo said whereas he was prepared to appear in court and answer to any charge against him, due process of law must be followed and his rights under the law must be guaranteed, especially the right to be notified and served with the charges against him.

The warrant issued against him was followed by a motion of the EFCC, which had filed different charges against Tompolo over alleged diversion of N34 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency to personal use and laundering of N22.6 billion.

The application is on notice to the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff and the Navy, so that overzealous security personnel do not take advantage of the court process to attempt to trample on his legal rights.