Tompolo asks court quash arrest warrant

A current news item!

Tompolo, a Nigerian businessman and former militant leader, has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos to quash an arrest warrant issued against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to reports, the EFCC had issued a warrant for Tompolo's arrest in connection with a N45 billion fraud case involving the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Tompolo is accused of diverting funds meant for the construction of a deep seaport in Delta State.

Tompolo's lawyers have argued that the warrant was issued in bad faith and that their client has been unfairly targeted by the EFCC. They have also claimed that the EFCC has not followed due process in the investigation and that the warrant is a violation of Tompolo's fundamental human rights.

The court has adjourned the matter to a later date to allow the EFCC to respond to Tompolo's application. If the court grants Tompolo's request, the warrant would be quashed and he would be free from arrest.

This development comes at a time when there are concerns about the increasing use of arrest warrants as a tool for political persecution in Nigeria. Many have criticized the EFCC for using its powers to harass and intimidate political opponents and perceived enemies of the state.

It remains to be seen how the court will rule on Tompolo's application. If the warrant is quashed, it could be a significant setback for the EFCC and a victory for Tompolo and his supporters. However, if the court upholds the warrant, it could lead to Tompolo's arrest and potentially further escalate tensions in the country.