EFCC arraigns alleged faux investor over $525,276 fraud involving Individuals
The {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson earlier than the Federal Excessive Courtroom in Uyo for allegedly defrauding a number of Individuals of $525,276 via a faux funding scheme.
The anti-graft company disclosed the event in a press release shared on its official X account on Monday.
In accordance with the EFCC, Thompson was introduced earlier than Justice Maureen Adaobi on eight counts bordering on acquiring cash by false pretence, linked to purported investments in mineral assets and a deep-sea port enterprise.
In its assertion, the EFCC mentioned Thompson allegedly obtained funds from victims, together with Tammy Jensen, Peter Jensen, Kenneth Blad, and others, between April and December 2024.
The fee mentioned the defendant offered himself as an funding facilitator, persuading the victims to commit funds to mining and deep-sea port tasks that have been later discovered to be fictitious.
“The {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday January 29, 2026, arraigned Victor Ekpong Thompson earlier than Justice Maureen Adaobi of the Federal Excessive Courtroom sitting in Uyo for allegedly defrauding some Individuals the sum of $525. 276 (5 Hundred And Twenty 5 Thousand, Two Hundred And Seventy Six United States {Dollars}),” the assertion learn partially.
One of many prices alleged that Thompson fraudulently obtained $213,350 from the victims underneath the guise of joint investments.
The EFCC mentioned the offence is opposite to Part 1(1)(b) of the Advance Payment Fraud and Different Associated Offences Act, 2006.
Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter to March 19, 2026. The date was set for ruling on the bail software and graduation of the trial.
The court docket ordered that the defendant be remanded on the EFCC detention facility in Uyo.
The EFCC has sustained its crackdown on {financial} crimes throughout Nigeria, specializing in corruption, contract fraud, and illicit {financial} flows.
Past contract-related circumstances, the EFCC mentioned it uncovered a N162 billion cryptocurrency-related fraud involving a industrial {bank}, six fintech companies, and several other microfinance banks. The fee cited lapses in buyer due diligence and anti-money laundering compliance in the course of the 2024/2025 {financial} 12 months.