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Niger Delta former rebel leader faces fresh charges

Niger Delta former rebel leader faces fresh charges

Nigeria

An ex-oil rebel leader in Nigeria is facing fresh corruption charges over the illegal diversion of $60 million belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as «Tompolo», was previously charged with laundering $175 million but has ignored court summons to defend himself.

The 47 year-old was issued last week with an arrest warrant by Judge Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court.

He was one of the high-profile leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), blamed for a series of attacks on oil and gas facilities in the 2000.

Supporters of the former militant leader are believed to be behind the recent attacks on oil pipelines, prompting fears of fresh unrest if arrested.

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