The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson before the Federal High Court in Uyo for allegedly defrauding American investors of $525,276.

Thompson faces an eight-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences. The EFCC alleged that he collected funds from unsuspecting investors under the pretense of facilitating investments in mineral resources and deep-sea port projects. Among the complainants are Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen, and others.

One of the counts states that between April and December 2024, Thompson obtained $213,350 from the investors through false pretences, in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. When the charges were read to him, Thompson pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Joshua Abolarin, requested that Thompson be remanded in custody pending trial. His counsel, Savn Daniel, applied for bail, which the prosecution opposed.

Justice Maureen Adaobi adjourned the case to March 19, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application and the commencement of trial, ordering that Thompson remain in the EFCC detention facility in Uyo.