Police Await Arrest Warrant Against Aluko, Track Tompolo

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, yesterday said that Niger Delta militant leader, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, would soon be arrested over the allegation of diversion of public funds slammed on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A Federal High Court in Lagos had a couple of weeks ago issued a warrant of arrest against Tompolo, which was sought by the EFCC to get him to face justice.

Tompolo, who is facing a 40-count charge, is being tried alongside the former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, over alleged diversion of N45.9 billion in the execution of contracts.

Arase, who spoke at Ekiti State Police headquarters during a tour of the Command said: “We are looking for Tompolo and my men are on his trail. We will arrest him anywhere we sight him.”

He, however, disclosed that the police had not been served with the warrant of arrest issued against the embattled former secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti, Dr. Tope Aluko, saying necessary actions would be taken when the arrest warrant is received.

He said: “We have not been served with the order to arrest Aluko up till now; if we got the arrest order, I am a lawyer myself, we also have a legal unit, we shall study it and take appropriate action.”

Ekiti State Chief Magistrate court had issued a warrant of arrest against Aluko following a Motion on Notice by the state government over the interview he granted where he disclosed how Ekiti governorship election was allegedly rigged to favour Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Arase, who commended his men for working hard to combat crime in Ekiti, warned against extra-judicial killings, saying such had made the police to incur more litigations and consequently starved them of funds.

On the welfare of his men, the IGP added that his administration would provide housing units in all the 36 commands and Abuja, for every rank and file to take ownership of a two-bedroom flat before retirement, while scholarship would be offered to officers to get degree certificates.