By Francis Wilfred
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arraigned one Victor Ekpong Thompson before the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged fraud involving $525,276.
Thompson was brought before Justice Maureen Adaobi on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence from several American victims, including Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad and Peter Jensen.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained the funds under the guise of assisting the victims to invest in mineral resources and a deep seaport business.
The charges were read to Thompson, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
However, defence counsel, Savn Daniel, made an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Adaobi adjourned the case to March 19, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and commencement of trial. The court ordered that Thompson be remanded at the EFCC detention facility in Uyo pending further proceedings.
