The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before Maureen Adaobi, a justice of the Federal High Court in Uyo. This event took place on January 29, 2026. Officials from the Uyo Zonal Directorate handled the case. Thompson faced allegations of defrauding American nationals. The commission presented an eight count charge against him.
Nature of the Charges
Authorities accused Thompson of obtaining money by false pretenses. He allegedly collected $525,276 from victims. The offenses occurred between April and December 2024.
Each count detailed fraudulent acquisition of funds. The charges violated Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. Punishment fell under Section 1(3) of the same act.
Victim Details and Fraud Scheme
Thompson targeted Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and other Americans. He promised to invest their money in mineral resources mining and deep sea port business. Instead, he diverted the funds for personal use.
Victims transferred money based on these false promises. The scheme exploited trust in investment opportunities. Consequently, the Americans suffered financial losses.
Specific Charge Example
One charge stated that Thompson obtained $213,350 from joint investors. This happened within the specified period in Nigeria. The count read: “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.” This example illustrated the pattern in all counts.
Plea and Prosecution Actions
Thompson pleaded not guilty to every charge. Following the plea, Joshua Abolarin, the prosecution counsel, requested a trial date. He also asked the court to remand Thompson in a correctional center. Meanwhile these steps aimed to advance the case efficiently. The prosecution sought to ensure Thompson remained in custody pending trial.
Defense Response and Court Ruling
Savn Daniel, the defense counsel, applied for bail orally. The prosecution opposed this request. After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter. She scheduled March 19, 2026, for the bail ruling and trial commencement. In the interim, the court ordered Thompson’s remand at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo.
Broader Context of the Case
The Advance Fee Fraud Act addresses scams involving false promises. Section 1(1)(b) prohibits obtaining property by false pretenses with intent to defraud. Moreover section 1(3) provides for imprisonment upon conviction.
In conclusion, this case highlighted ongoing efforts against financial crimes. Furthermore it underscored vulnerabilities in cross border investments. The EFCC continued to investigate similar frauds targeting foreigners.
EFCC Arraigns Fake Investor for Defrauding Americans $525,276 in Uyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday January 29, 2026, arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo… pic.twitter.com/rO56SVB4bD— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) February 2, 2026
