The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought a suspected fake investment promoter before the Federal High Court in Uyo over an alleged fraud involving more than $525,000 from foreign investors.
The defendant, Victor Ekpong Thompson, was arraigned by the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate before Justice Maureen Adaobi on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences.
According to the anti-graft agency, in a social media post on Monday, Thompson allegedly convinced several American victims to part with funds by claiming he would invest the money in mineral resource mining and deep seaport projects. The commission said the total amount involved is $525,276, allegedly collected from victims including Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad and Peter Jensen, among others.
One of the charges states that between April and December 2024, the defendant fraudulently obtained $213,350 from a group of investors after presenting the projects as genuine business opportunities. Prosecutors say the alleged act violates provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
When the charges were read in court, Thompson pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin asked the court to fix a trial date and order that the defendant be kept in custody pending trial. Defence lawyer Savn Daniel made an oral request for bail, but the prosecution opposed the application.
After hearing both sides, the judge adjourned the case to March 19, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and the start of trial. The defendant was ordered to remain in EFCC custody in Uyo pending further proceedings.
