Uyo: EFCC Arraigns Man Over $525,276 Investment Fraud Targeting Americans

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Victor Thompson at the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for allegedly defrauding U.S. citizens of $525,276.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed on Monday that Thompson appeared before Judge Maureen Adaobi on Thursday, facing eight counts of obtaining money by false pretences.

According to the commission, Thompson allegedly misled several Americans, including Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and Peter Jensen, claiming he would invest their money in mineral resources and deep seaport projects. The alleged offences reportedly took place between April and December 2024.

One of the charges reads: Thompson “fraudulently obtained the sum of $213,350 from Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and other unsuspecting investors” under the pretext that the funds would be invested in mining and deep seaport ventures. The EFCC stated that these acts violate the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, which prescribes penalties under Section 1(3) of the law.

Thompson pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. Following his plea, EFCC counsel Joshua Abolarin requested a trial date and asked that Thompson be remanded in custody pending the outcome of the case.

Savn Daniel, representing the defendant, filed an oral application for bail, which the prosecution opposed. After hearing submissions from both parties, Judge Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19 for a ruling on the bail application and to commence trial.

The court ordered that Thompson remain in the EFCC detention facility in Uyo until the next proceedings.