The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate arraigned a fake investor, one Victor Ekpong Thompson, before Justice Maure
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate arraigned a fake investor, one Victor Ekpong Thompson, before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for defrauding American citizens to the tune of $525,276.
Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant fraudulently collected the money from several victims under the guise of facilitating investments in mineral resources and deep-seaport business ventures.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged victims include Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen, and others, all described as unsuspecting investors.
One of the charges reads in part, “That you, Victor Ekpeyong Thompson, on or between April, 2024 to December, 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, did fraudulently obtain the sum of Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars ($213,350 USD) from Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad and others (Joint unsuspecting investors), under the pretence of investing the money in mining of mineral resources and deep sea port business, and thereby committed an offence 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, Thompson pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
However, the 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 court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo pending further proceedings.
