The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, arraigned one Victor Ekpong Thompson before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged investment scam involving the sum of $525,276.
Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. The EFCC alleged that the defendant defrauded several American nationals under the guise of facilitating investments in mineral resources and a deep seaport business.
According to the charge, Thompson allegedly obtained funds from victims including Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen, and other unsuspecting investors between April and December 2024.
One of the counts reads in part that Thompson, within the jurisdiction of the court and with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of $213,350 from Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and others under the pretence of investing the money in mining and deep seaport ventures.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, requested the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
However, defence counsel, Savn Daniel, made an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and commencement of trial. The defendant was ordered to be remanded at the EFCC’s detention facility in Uyo.