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 a total sum 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, according to reports by Eyes Of Lagos.

Alleged Investment Scam Involving Foreign Nationals

According to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, the defendant allegedly deceived his victims by claiming he would facilitate lucrative investments in mineral resource mining and deep seaport development projects in Nigeria.

Those reportedly defrauded include American nationals Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and other unsuspecting investors who were said to have been lured with promises of high returns.

Akahi News gathered that the EFCC accused Thompson of deliberately misrepresenting the existence and viability of the purported projects to induce the transfer of funds.

Details of the Charges

One of the charges read in open court stated that Thompson, between April 2024 and December 2024, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, fraudulently obtained the sum of $213,350 from the victims under false pretences.

The alleged offence was said to contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to the EFCC, the defendant acted with intent to defraud by falsely presenting the investment ventures as genuine and operational.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

When the charges were read to him, Thompson pleaded not guilty to all eight 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 strongly opposed by the prosecution.

Court Adjourns for Bail Ruling

After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Maureen 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.

EFCC Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Cross-Border Fraud

Reacting to the development, the EFCC stated that the arraignment underscores its sustained commitment to combating cross-border financial crimes and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

Akahi News learnt that the commission has continued to intensify efforts to track, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in international fraud schemes that tarnish the country’s global image.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org