The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a man identified as Victor Ekpeyong Thompson before the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged investment fraud involving American nationals to the tune of 525,276 United States dollars.
Thompson was brought before Justice Maureen Adaobi on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly defrauded several foreign victims by presenting himself as a legitimate investment facilitator with access to profitable business opportunities in Nigeria. The commission stated that Thompson collected large sums of money under the guise of investing in mineral resource mining and deep seaport business ventures.
The charge sheet revealed that the alleged victims include Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen, and other individuals described as unsuspecting investors who believed their funds would be used for genuine business projects.
One of the charges read in part, “That you, Victor Ekpeyong Thompson, on or between April 2024 and 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, 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 seaport 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.”
The EFCC further alleged that the total amount obtained from all the victims through the fraudulent scheme stood at 525,276 dollars.
When the charges were read to the defendant in open court, Thompson pleaded not guilty to all eight counts.
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, requested the court to fix a trial date and order that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case. He argued that the charges were serious and involved foreign victims, adding that the defendant could interfere with investigations if granted bail at this stage.
However, the defence counsel, Savn Daniel, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendant, urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of Thompson. The application was strongly opposed by the prosecution.
After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Maureen Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and commencement of trial.
The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo pending further proceedings.
The case adds to the growing list of investment-related fraud matters being prosecuted by the EFCC, as the commission continues its crackdown on individuals accused of defrauding both local and foreign investors under false business claims.