High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, commonly known as Tompolo and founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has claimed that his life is under constant threat from influential individuals involved in oil theft.
Speaking in Oporoza, the administrative centre of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Monday, Tompolo accused naval personnel of attacking Tantita operatives during the arrest of suspected oil thieves near the Port Harcourt creeks. He raised concerns during a visit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national executive, led by its president, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Tompolo stated, “While undertaking this work, we have antagonised many powerful individuals in Lagos and Abuja. Following my court cases, I can no longer travel freely without heavy security. Even with escorts, these individuals are unhappy with me and are working with key players in oil theft to undermine us.”
Tompolo described how Tantita Security Services had faced confrontations with the Navy, despite the organisation’s mandate to combat crude oil theft. “Whenever we arrest suspects, lawyers are brought in from major cities to defend them, creating challenges in our mission to protect the nation’s resources,” he added.
He criticised sabotage efforts, explaining that Tantita operatives had recently intercepted a vessel in Port Harcourt, where naval personnel allegedly fired at them despite the presence of other law enforcement agencies. Tompolo urged the NBA to play a role in addressing oil theft, which he said was crippling Nigeria’s economy.
During the NBA’s courtesy visit to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Osigwe noted progress in oil production, stating, “If oil production continues to rise, it will benefit everyone and enable the government to address citizens’ needs.”
The Pere highlighted the lack of government presence in the region, calling for infrastructural development and the establishment of a magistrate’s court in Gbaramatu. He emphasised the peaceable nature of the kingdom, appealing for justice and development.
Efforts to obtain comments from Nigerian Navy spokesperson, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The NBA pledged to assess the hardships faced by oil-bearing communities and support efforts to curb oil theft, which has adversely affected Nigeria’s economy, foreign reserves, and environmental health.
