The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate has arraigned Ekpeyong Thompson before the Federal High Court in Uyo over an alleged investment fraud involving $525,276.
Thompson was brought before Justice Maureen Adaobi on Thursday, January 29, 2026, on an eight-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. The EFCC alleged that the defendant defrauded several American nationals by presenting fictitious investment opportunities.
According to the prosecution, Thompson collected funds from Tammy Jensen, Kenneth Blad, Peter Jensen and others under the guise of facilitating investments in mineral resource mining and a deep sea port business.
One of the charges stated that Thompson fraudulently obtained $213,350 between April and December 2024 from the victims, described as joint unsuspecting investors. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law.
When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
Defence counsel Savn Daniel made an oral bail application, which was opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Adaobi adjourned the matter 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.
