PH
Former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, commonly known as Tompolo, has appealed to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal to order Justice Ibrahim Buba to withdraw from his case.
According to a Punch report, Tompolo’s counsel Ebun-Olu Adegburowa, made the appeal on Tuesday, saying that the judge should withdraw from the case in deference to the appellate court.
Since 40 counts of fraud were filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tompolo has evaded court processes, shunning summons issued for him to appear in court.
Justice Buba had on two occasions issued bench warrants and ordered Tompolo’s arrest, even going as far as declaring the ex-militant wanted.
Tompolo, however, has contended that the search warrant was not served to him properly and has since appealed to have his arrest warrant set aside.
According to Tompolo’s counsel, he has demonstrated his respect for the rule of law by filing the appeal, and has stressed that his client hopes to have the matter heard and determined expeditiously.
