Justice Ibrahim Buba reiterated the order, while ruling on an application challenging
the substituted service of a 40-count criminal charge on the accused.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the 40-count charge against Tompolo, Patrick Akpobolokemi and eight others. The charge borders on allegations of conversion and theft to the tune of over N13 billion.
Counsel for Tompolo, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, had filed an application on January 27 to challenge the service of the charges on his client based on a defect in the address of
service.
Justice Ibrahim Buba in his ruling dismissed the application and renewed his order compelling the attendance of Tompolo in court. The court held that “the EFCC has the
power to arrest anyone if it has reasonable belief that such person has committed an
offence”.
“The order for substituted service is more than justified against a man who has refused to honour lawful invitation by the EFCC. Not only is Tompolo aware of the charges, he has further briefed counsel representing him, who on his behalf, demanded for all processes filed in the matter.”
“Therefore, all the authorities cited on this issue are with respect, misconceived. The application challenging service is hereby dismissed. The order for arrest still subsist; and all authorities in Nigeria are further ordered to ensure that the order of this court for the arrest of Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo is carried out to the latter,” the court held.
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