The Commissioner representing the people of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr Paul Bebenimibo on Wednesday confirmed that a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba in Lagos State has discharged and acquitted former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo of an alleged forty-five billion, nine hundred million naira(N45.9 billion) fraud levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC.
Dr. Bebenimibo confirmed the report in a text message sent to Our Correspondent in Warri.
He said, “It’s true that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo has been discharged and acquitted by the court day. We thank God Almighty for His mercies on Tompolo.”
Dr. Bebenimibo urged those who falsely accused Tompolo to apologise to him and ask for forgiveness from God.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State had discharged Tompolo of the N45.9 billion fraud.
The Court which is presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba also upheld the no-case submission filed by the Ex-freedom fighter and others.
It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had dragged Tompolo before the Federal High Court on 40 count charges bordering on alleged money laundering, conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC at the time vowed that four other suspects would also be arraigned along with the Companies,Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.