Four Die in Boat Mishap as Wanted Tompolo Freely Buries Father

Four Die in Boat Mishap as Wanted Tompolo Freely Buries Father

Former Niger Delta warlord, Government ‘Tompolo’ Ekpemupolo who is wanted by the security operatives over alleged money laundering links is presently overseeing burial rites of his deceased father in Delta state.

The burial rites which began at Kurutie, Warri South-West council area of the state on Friday, will be concluded on Sunday with the internment of the late Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo who died on September 7, 2016 at his hometown in Okerenkoko, Delta state.

"Wanted" Tompolo walking with Police escorts during his father's burial rites pic.twitter.com/YlQDTD6uRf

— Awolowo (@ama5swag) September 24, 2016

The wanted Tompolo has been seen not only freely seeing to the burial arrangements of his late father but also intriguingly accompanied by security escorts, a situation that raises many questions in the hearts of observers.

Form many months after he was declared wanted, Tompolo communicated with the apparatus of state through letters but refused to honour court summons. The police had also supposedly carried out searches for the fugitive but said its search turned futile.

In a picture that was passed around on social media on Saturday however, Tompolo is seen being guarded by a gun-wielding policeman.

Meanwhile, at least four persons travelling to attend the burial ceremony of the elder Ekpemupolo were involved in a tragic boat mishap on Friday, reports the Punch.

About 25 persons were said to be on board W-19 Yamaha boat when the accident occurred, an indication that it was carrying more than its capacity.

Spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu confirmed the incident on Saturday and stated that about 11 persons had so far been rescued by the Marine Police in Warri.

As of Saturday evening, a rescue team comprising the police and special divers were still searching for the missing persons.

Kalu added: “There was no manifest to know the number of passengers in the boat. The number of deaths is not yet certain but their bodies will float by today.”