The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the alleged defrauding of several American citizens of $525,276.
Thompson was docked on Thursday, January 29, 2026, before Justice Maureen Adaobi, where he faced an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
According to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, the defendant allegedly deceived his victims by claiming he would facilitate investments in mineral resource mining and deep seaport development projects.
Those reportedly defrauded include American nationals Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and other unsuspecting investors.
One of the charges read in court stated that Thompson, between April 2024 and December 2024, within the jurisdiction of the court, fraudulently obtained $213,350 from the victims under false pretences. The offence was said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The EFCC alleged that Thompson acted with intent to defraud by falsely representing the existence and viability of the purported investment ventures.
When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility and fix a date for the commencement of trial.
However, defence counsel, Savn Daniel, made an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and commencement of trial. Pending the court’s decision, the judge ordered that Thompson be remanded at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo.
The EFCC stated that the arraignment reflects its ongoing commitment to tackling cross-border financial crimes and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.