Group Faults Appeal Court Order For Seizure Of Tompolo’s Properties

The group, Foundation fir Human Rights and Anti-corruption Crusade, (FOHURAC) has faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division affirming the ruling of the Federal High Court for the forfeiture of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s (a.k.a Tompolo) property.

National President of the group, Alaowei Cleric said that it disagreed with the verdict because the law that empowered the EFCC to seize the property of an accused person for failure to attend court is inconsistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement read in part; “The Constitution empowers every Nigerian whether an accused or not to own and acquire immovable property anywhere in the Country. 

“The same Constitution also said an accused is a free man until proven guilty.

“As far as Tompolo is concerned, he is a free man. Seizing Tompolo’s property without being convicted by the court shows that the court is preempting itself. 

“The court ought not to have relied on that law. A law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is void to extent of its inconsistency.

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“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 is not a master of its own. It is subject to the whims and caprices of the Constitution which is the grund norm.

“To us, the judgment is a clear case of political persecution. The Federal Government should stop witch hunting Tompolo. Let the Government withdraw the charges against him. He has suffered a lot of political persecution in the hands of the ruling Government. Tompolo should be given the freedom he deserved”.